New Delhi - XINHUA
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.