Hazare breaks 'Maunvrat'

KOPARGAON, AUG.12 Noted social worker and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare today broke his `Maunvrat'(silent penance) following an assurance by the Maharashtra Government to look into his demands.

Mr.Hazare, who began `Maunvrat' on August 9 at village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district, broke it in the presence of the Law Minister, Mr. Vilasrao Patil, who assured him that amendment to the information act would be tabled during the winter session of the State legislature and an experts committee has been appointed in this regard. ``The Government has promised to look into Hazare's demands'',Mr. Patil told reporters.

A meeting to discuss amendment to the information act would be held in Pune, he said.

The 737 corruption cases Mr. Hazare had submitted to the State Government would be enquired into, Mr. Patil said, adding, however, the Government cannot amend the Official Secrets Act as only the Centre could amend it.

As regards Mr. Hazare's demand for more powers to gram panchayats, the Government would send a proposal to the Centre for implementation of the 73Rd amendment, Mr. Patil said adding a committee has been formed to give more powers to gram panchayats. Mr. Hazare said he was satisfied with the government decision of bringing in transparency in its administration.

- PTI

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