The Four Point Formula

Dear Prime Minister,

As you are aware, India is witnessing an unprecedented mobilization of people and minds on the issue of Governance and Corruption, and more specifically, about the Jan Lokpal Bill – a legislation which is being discussed as a centerpiece of the architecture of a more transparent and accountable form of Government.

This movement comprising of millions of Indians all over the country is remarkable for its non-violent and apolitical nature – and is the most visible proof of the people’s participation and vibrant democracy since Independence.

As representatives of the people within Parliament, it is the beholden duty of MPs to respond to this outpouring of views and concerns – voiced by our fellow citizens, and I suggest the following for the Government to resolve the current impasse:

1. The Government introduces both the Lokpal Bill and Jan Lokpal Bill as two separate bills simultaneously.
2. Both these Bills are debated in Parliament and not referred to a Standing Committee. This is important because the people of India must see this debate and discussion openly. The Parliament Committee proceedings remain secret and in-camera, thus preventing people from actually being part of this debate.
3. The current Parliament session be extended by four weeks to enable the Parliament to debate and pass the Bill in this session itself.
4. No whips should be issued by any political party so that Members are free to vote according to the dictates of their conscience.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for the Parliament to establish that it hears and is responding to the voices and concerns of the people that we represent.