Govt sticks to opposition to JPC on 2G scam

Pranab Mukherjee said the matter could be looked into by PAC which is 'almost a permanent JPC'.

The government on Friday stuck to its opposition to setting up of JPC to probe 2G spectrum allocation,saying the matter could be looked into by the Public Accounts Committee which is “almost a permanent JPC”.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee,who had promised to respond to Opposition’s demands for JPC after consulting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,appealed to all parties to help end the stalemate over the issue because of which Parliament is not being allowed to function for the last six consecutive days.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation which is being created where Parliament cannot transact its business. Therefore my appeal to all political parties is that please try to find a solution,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Story continues below this ad

“When I oppose JPC,or government opposes JPC,it is not that the matter should not be investigated,” the government’s trouble-shooter said when asked pointed out that the opposition was adamant on setting up of JPC.

He said the matter could be looked into by the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee,arguing that it was “almost a permanent JPC” which is older than the Constitution and headed by a member from the Opposition.

“I will appeal to the members of the Opposition that please do not obstruct proceedings of the House. Accept the proposition that CAG report on 2G will be examined by the PAC. Let them examine it and after that we will see what further course of action is needed,” he said on the sidelines of Canara Bank function.

Opposition has been insisting on JPC probe and stalling Parliament for the last six consecutive days to press the demand.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram