Jan Lokpal Bill will be passed at Ramlila Maidan: Kejriwal

 

New Delhi, Jan 25, 2014, (IANS): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Saturday that the Jan Lokpal Bill is almost ready, and will be passed next month in a special session of the state assembly at Ramlila Maidan, in the heart of Delhi, amidst the people.

 

"Corruption is the biggest issue for our government. We have to fight corruption. The Jan Lokpal Bill is almost ready and in the month of February we will have a special Delhi assembly session at Ramlila Maidan, and in the midst of people the bill will be  passed," Kejriwal said, addressing celebrations on the eve of Republic Day at Chhatrasal stadium here.

 

"The bill promises strict action against people who indulge in corruption. Under this law, the (corrupt person) will lose his (or her) job and will also be sent to prison," the chief minister said.

 

He explained that the intention behind the law was not to send people to prison, but to deter corruption, and instil a sense of fear.

 

"I am not saying corruption has been eradicated from Delhi. But ever since we assumed power, I have heard, and people have told me, that there is now a sense of fear, and that is a good thing. I can now say that corruption has been reduced, at least by 20 to 30 percent," Kejriwal said, as the crowd cheered him.

 

The Delhi chief minister also said that the safety and security of women was an important concern of his government.

 

"We have constituted a committee Friday under the chairmanship of Delhi Chief  Secretary Sanjoy Kumar Srivastava, where there will be a separate body for the  protection and security of women. The body, comprising retired army personnel and homeguards, will ensure protection and security to women," Kejriwal said.