Govt seeks public opinion on Lokpal

As Anna Hazare continued his protest fast, a parliamentary standing committee yesterday invited public suggestions on the Lokpal Bill. Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal dismissed it as an attention diverting tactic.
The parliamentary standing committee on personnel, public grievances, law and justice, which is to suggest amendments to the Lokpal Bill, published advertisements in leading newspapers, seeking ideas and suggestions on the bill.
A time limit of 15 days starting yesterday has been given to send suggestions.
The step is being seen as an attempt to counter the protesting activists who have claimed that public opinion is against the Lokpal Bill introduced by the government.
Team Anna however rejected the call as an attempt to divert attention.
'As far as calling the feedback is concerned it is not a referendum also. If the government does any referendum, the government bill will be totally trashed by the people. This is simply diverting attention,' Kejriwal told IANS.
The civil society members have urged the parliamentary standing committee to reject the bill.
Meanwhile, Hazare has promised more fights in the days ahead - for land reforms, farmers' rights and a better education system.
Though he has begun betraying some signs of tiredness due to his hunger-strike, the 74-year-old Hazare declared he will 'not give up'.
'I have lost 3.5 kg over the past four days... but there is nothing to worry,' the activist said, as the crowd of supporters at the Ramlila Ground in central Delhi cheered.
Hazare also said his fight won't stop at the Lokpal bill.
'Farmers are forced to commit suicide. Their lands are being taken forcibly and given to builders and companies...we have to fight for farmers. The education system has become so corrupt that we have to pay money to get our children admitted in schools and colleges,' he said.
Hazare said the government knows all this but does not do anything.