Parliament to debate Jan Lokpal Bill today

Parliament to debate Jan Lokpal Bill todayNew Delhi, Aug 27 : The Government will debate the Jan Lokpal Bill in both houses of the Parliament on Saturday.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will make a statement on the Lokpal, addressing the three key issues raised by social activist Anna Hazare.

Mukherjee yesterday said: "As you have heard that there has been a demand, tomorrow there should be a discussion in both the houses."

"Discussions will start after my speech. I will have to make a statement in the beginning and thereafter on the basis of that statement," he added.

On Friday Hazare wrote to Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, assuring him that he would end his fast if a resolution is passed to debate the Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament.

He placed three conditions before the government, which is inclusion of the lower bureaucracy in the Lokpal Bill, appoint Lokayuktas in all states and implement the of citizens charter for a time bound disposal of public grievances in government offices.

Hazare has been on fast since August 16, the day he was arrested and taken to Tihar Jail. He was released the same day, but he refused to leave Tihar Jail. He shifted to Ramlila Ground here on August 19 where he has been continuing with his fast. (ANI)