Need to collectively find credible solution to corruption: PM

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday said that the government is seeking a credible solution to the Lok Pal logjam. 

Replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on situation arising out of corruption, Dr Singh said corruption is a major national issue.

Stating that there is need to collectively find credible solutions to corruption, he said, the government will do everything in its power to clean the system.

He said government is committed to a strong and effective Lok Pal Bill and is open to suggestion from all sections. Dr Singh said the Standing Committee will give its full consideration to all drafts on Lok Pal Bill including that by Team Anna.

He said all versions of Lok Pal bill will be debated in parliament and then referred to the Standing Committee.

Dr Manmohan Singh also appealed to Anna Hazare to end his fast. Speaker and other members of the Lok Sabha also joined Prime Minister in his appeal to Anna.

PM asks Hazare to adopt more rational approach on Lokpal

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has asked ex Chief Justice of India JS Verma to use his good offices to urge Anna Hazare and his supporters to adopt a more rational approach with regard to his demand for a strong Lokpal.

Singh said that nothing should be done to undermine Parliamentary democracy. This came in the wake of the deadlock between Team Anna and the government over the Lok Pal issue.

Responding to a letter from former Chief Justice J S Verma, Singh asserted that it is only after "due deliberation" that a law can be passed that not only meets the aspirations of the people but is also "practical and effective".

Virtually rejecting the August 30 deadline set by Hazare for passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill, he said, "It is the bounden duty of Parliament to pass a law only after its members have had reasonable time and opportunity to hear a wide range of public opinions and apply their minds to its various provisions."