Now, ombudsman to probe charges against PM?

The government is introducing an ordinance to constitute an extraordinary anti-corruption mechanism in deference to a five-point agenda for its battle against corruption enunciated by Congress President Sonia Gandhi in her inaugural address to the All India Congress Committee plenary session in New Delhi on December 19.

Though provisions of the impending ordinance are not known, sources said it may include constitution of the Lok Pal, an ombudsman who can even probe charges against the prime minister. It is also expected to cover Gandhi's five-point agenda that includes a new system to fast track all cases of corruption involving politicians and public servants, full transparency in public procurements and contracts, a competitive system of exploitation of natural resources and protection of whistle blowers.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who promised to put the Congress president's

agenda into action has acted fast and got the blueprint of the mechanism ready. The new mechanism, sought to silence the Bharatiya Janata Party and other opposition parties trying to corner the government over corruption the 2G spectrum allocation, Commonwealth Games scam and Mumbai's Adarsh Society scandal, may be unveiled as early as next week.

The draft of the ordinance is understood to have been forwarded to Union Law Ministry M Veerappa Moily for examination before it is brought before the Union Cabinet  for approval. However, it is not yet placed on the agenda compiled by Union Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar for cabinet meetings.

Gandhi also called for an end of the discretionary powers enjoyed by chief ministers and other ministers, particularly with regard to the land allotment and housing. However, this part of her agenda may require action at the state level, the sources said.