Do we really need a LokPal

Do we really need a LokPal ? 

   The Anna factor has spread like wild fire all over India and we have seen people gathering at public places in metros and big cities showing their signs of protest against corruption and their support to Anna's campaign. The name 'Anna' has eventually become a kind of brand name with the much popularised quote saying "I am Anna", being printed on caps, T-shirts which have been sold even in software companies! This is an example showing how high the Anna fever was and yes the anti-corruption campaign too.

But I am sure every one has a feeling if the LokPal is really needed to root out corruption. Aren't existing institutions, take the CBI for example, not sufficient for an "India against Corruption" ? There are people who are strongly against a new LokPal being setup as it makes institutions redundant. The CBI has the cream of India working for it and a simple yet powerful alternative to the LokPal is to make the CBI an autonomous body (make it independent from politics).

Here are excerpts from an article in LiveMint sharing similar thoughts:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrests of the powerful former Karnataka tourism minister G. Janardhan Reddy and the managing director of his mining company is independent of corruption charges filed last month by the Lokayukta against former chief minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa, and the shock arrest of his former industries minister, accused of selling public land for private profit.

While the movement against corruption started by former army driver and social activist Anna Hazare has gained substantial support, many commentators have pointed out that it might be better to empower existing institutions and offer better governance than establish a super-powerful Lokpal with a new bureaucracy. Some argue that the answer lies with political parties, which need to be pressured in this season of public awareness.

“There are honest people in all these parties, people who have been sidelined so far,” said S.R. Hiremath, a whistleblower in the Bellary mining scam. “A corruption-free administration is our birthright, like swaraj (self-rule), and we must strive for it.”

Read more here

So, what is your stance ? A new LokPal or a strong CBI ?