NEW DELHI, May 2: The Government intends to push through two long awaited but controversial bills, the Lok Pal Bill and the Women's Reservation Bill, in the current session of Parliament.

Government sources said that any discussion on the two bills would be conducted outside Parliament so that they can be passed without further ado by both Houses before they adjourn for the summer.

According to these sources, an all party meeting will be called on May 6 to finalise the provisions of the Bill reserving seats for women in all elected bodies. The initial provision of 33 per cent reservation will be pared down to somewhere between 20 and 25 per cent, sources said.

Most parties are agreed on this figure. It now remains to be spelt out in black and white so that the Bill can be put to vote.

The percentage of reservation has in fact been the sticking point which has been holding up the Bill despite the pressure mounted by women MPs and women's organisations.

The modalities of the reservation process would be worked out after the Bill gets the nod from Parliament, government sources stated.

The Lok Pal Bill is in the finalisation stage. The Home Standing Committee, which has been looking into the issue, is to submit its recommendations by May 9 after which the Government will hold another all party meeting to put the seal of approval on the Bill.

Government sources said that since the Bill has been hotly debated in the Standing Committee and will be further scrutinised in the all party meeting, there is no need to have another round of discussions in Parliament as this would only delay its passage.

Prime Minister I K Gujral is reported to be pressing hard that both bills be put through Parliament in this session itself to bolster the image of his government.

The Lok Pal Bill in particular has been hanging fire for almost two decades, the main point of controversy being whether or not to bring the office of the Prime Minister under the purview of the proposed Lok Pal.

Ultimately, the Standing Committee is understood to have recommended that the PM be included for scrutiny by the Lok Pal along with central ministers and Members of Parliament.

It has suggested a three-member body for the Lok Pal, headed by an eminent person suitable for the post of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The other two would also be judicial-based appointments requiring the same qualifications as a Supreme Court judge.

Earlier too, the Women's Bill has generated a lot of interest in the Parliament. But this time the women activists may have something to cheer about as the government will table it in the Parliament for approval. But most women MPs still feel that the bill may get scuttled dueto other political considerations.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.