Indian president signs anti-graft bill

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday signed the much-awaited Lokpal Bill (Ombudsman Bill), paving the way for the creation of an anti-graft watchdog on government officials including the prime minister. The bill was passed by both houses of parliament in mid- December last year. The Lok Sabha or Lower House of Parliament secretariat Tuesday sent to the Law Ministry a copy of the bill which had been signed by Parliament Speaker Meira Kumar. The Lokpal Bill's creation is seen as a victory of anti-graft campaign led by Anna Hazare over the past several years. The new ruling party of the Indian capital Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has become a significant political force in the country within one year of its founding, also was the product of anti-corruption movement. AAP head and new Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal was an anti-corruption activist himself.