The government and Team Anna have taken a significant step forward on one of the sticking points troubling talks the creation of state Lokayuktas by the Lokpal at the Centre. It is understood the two sides have decided that a committee of legal experts will now look into the Constitutional and legal aspects of creating Lokayuktas under the Lokpal Bill. Whatever the recommendations,sources said,will be acceptable to both sides. The two sides have also agreed the committee will submit its report in days,and not months. The government last night offered to refer the matter to the Attorney General for his opinion. The Anna group,sources said,refused to have only the AG look into the matter as they felt he could be influenced by the government. The formation of the committee will be a mutually agreed affair. The government has so far maintained it would be going beyond its constitutional remit by legislating for Lokayuktas which is the prerogative of states. This argument,however,has not found favour with the Anna group. This understanding on a committee of experts is now being seen as a breakthrough. With this,sources pointed out,differences have narrowed down to bringing the lower bureaucracy within the ambit of the Lokpal and the citizens' charter. The other major difference which remains unresolved so far is a matter of Parliamentary procedure. Team Anna wants specific deadlines and a commitment to pass the Lokpal Bill in this session of Parliament,by bypassing the relevant standing committee. The government has already rejected this demand.
