5 Questions: ‘No one should be allowed to take advantage in the name of NGOs’, says D Raja

D Raja, CPI leader and Rajya Sabha MP, was part of the MP's delegation which met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday demanding changes to the Lokpal bill. He, however, told the Indian Express that he only wanted the last date for declaration of assets extended.

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“The government should also look into how corporates are taking care of their social responsibilities, because there is a rule that they should spend two per cent of profit on them,” said CPIM leader D Raja. File Photo/Agencies

Are you satisfied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s quick action on the demand?

My demand was on a limited issue — the extension of last date for declaring assets by NGOs. As far as that issue is concerned, I am happy.

What about the other demands? Like taking spouses of government employees and trustees off the ambit of the law?

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There are some NGOs which do good work and they should not be affected. But in the name of NGOs, no one should take advantage. Everyone declares their assets to the Income Tax department as they file returns. But if they are part of any organisation, they should declare. We will discuss these issues when the Bill comes up for discussion in the standing committee.

How do you react to this allegation that the MPs and the government wanted to save top NGOs ?

I repeat, no one should be allowed to take advantage in the name of NGOs. The government should also look into how corporates are taking care of their social responsibilities, because there is a rule that they should spend two per cent of profit on them.

WATCH VIDEO: Govt Introduces Bill To Amend Lokpal Act Clause Pertaining To NGOs

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Don’t you think it will be a dilution?

Wittingly or unwittingly, nothing should be done to protect corporate interests. The main issue here is the establishment of Lokpal. The act was amended to change the word leader of opposition with leader of largest oppo

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