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The chairman of the Select Committee on Lokpal, Satyavrat Chaturvedi, on Thursday said that it was very unlikely that the anti-graft bill would be passed during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Chaturvedi, however, said the committee is trying its best to formulate the law within the given time frame. "We are doing our best to see that we finish our work in the mandated time frame, but still, I cannot guarantee it. It depends on number of factors as to how many people want to come and appear before the committee and, that will determine the length of time this committee will work," he said. Chaturvedi further revealed that there were several issues to be considered, and, that it was a tough task to reach a consensus on them. "The work is on at full speed, but this is a large issue. If it were so easy to resolve it, it would have been done already. There are various issues in front of the committee, and there are also many who want to give their opinions on the matter," said Chaturvedi. "Apart from this, the committee needs to study the amendments proposed in the Rajya Sabha and achieve a consensus. It is not an easy and simple matter," he added. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni had earlier on Wednesday questioned Anna Hazare about setting a 96-hour-long deadline for the government to announce a strong and effective Lokpal Bill. Soni said parliamentarians, who are empowered by the Constitution, have to take the final call on the Bill, and added that a select committee is presently looking into the Lokpal Bill. "You may fix any deadline. The parliamentarians are empowered by the Constitution, by the mandate of the people, by their vote to take a call. They are responsible. So, parliamentarians have decided that a select committee is looking into it. How can you put a deadline?" she said. Meanwhile, Team Anna has launched their indefinite fast in New Delhi , raising the pitch against the UPA Government on the issue of corruption. Team Anna has got permission to fast at Jantar Mantar till August 8, the day the Monsoon Session of Parliament is expected to begin. Team Anna has announced the indefinite protest against the UPA Government and its failure to enact a strong Lokpal as well as not setting up a special investigation team to probe corruption charges.

Govt unlikely to pass Lokpal Bill in monsoon session