The social activists group led by Anna Hazare spearheading the campaign to press for the Jan Lok Pal Bill to effectively deal with corruption has reached an understanding with the Government. An announcement to this effect was made by Mr. Anna Hazare at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi late on Friday. Talking to reporters the corruption crusader said that the Government agreed to enact the Jan Lokpal Bill. This is the win of common people all over India.

He said he will break his fast today at 10.30 a.m.

Briefing reporters, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said a 10-member joint drafting committee was being constituted to draft the proposed Bill to be tabled in the Monsoon Session of Parliament and an order to this effect is being issued.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will head the committee, which will also include Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Water Resources Minister Salman Khurshid as members. Noted Lawyer Shanti Bhushan will be its co- Chairman. Besides Anna Hazare, those representing the civil society in the joint committee will be eminent lawyer Prasant Bhushan, retired Supreme Court Judge Santosh Hegde and RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says the joining of hands of civil society and the Government on the Lokpal Bill issue was a step that augurs well for democracy. Dr. Singh said the Government intends to introduce the historic legislation in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

In a statement in New Delhi, Singh said he was pleased that Anna Hazare had agreed to give up his fast.

Describing corruption a scourge that confronts all of us, the Prime Minister said, the interaction between the Centre and the representatives of Anna Hazare was productive. He hoped that process to prepare this legislation will move forward in a constructive mode so that after consultation with a wide spectrum of stake holders, the Bill is placed before the Cabinet for introduction during the Monsoon Session.

The Government had last night agreed to issue a formal order to set up a 10-member joint committee for drafting the Lokpal Bill.

The announcement of an agreement came from both sides after four days of Hazare’s fast-unto-death that evoked a nationwide support cutting across the society.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will be the Chairman of the committee that will also include Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Telecom Minister Sibal, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Water Resources Minister Salman Khurshid as members. Noted Lawyer Shanti Bhushan will be its co- Chairman.

Besides Anna Hazare, those representing the civil society in the joint committee will be eminent lawyer Prashant Bhushan, retired Supreme Court Judge Santosh Hegde and RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal.