New Delhi, May 31 Asserting that the discussions of the joint drafting committee on the anti-graft Lokpal Bill were "on the right path", Home Minister P. Chidambaram Tuesday said the government was hopeful of preparing a draft of the law by June 30.

"We think that the talks were constructive", Chidambaram told reporters here, referring to the talks Monday with the civil society representatives on the drafting committee.

The committee comprises five central ministers and five representatives of the civil society.

The home minister discounted reports that there was a deadlock in the talks or they had broken down.

Chidambaram said letters have been sent Tuesday to all the chief ministers and leaders of political parties for their views on the Lokpal Bill. This was as per the decision taken by the committee Monday, he added.

The letters contained questions on several issues including: whether the prime minister and the higher judiciary should be brought under the purview of the Lokpal, whether the bill should deal with only the Lokpal (at the centre) or also the Lokayuktas (in the states).

Though there might not have been any unanimity in all the issues Tuesday, the discussions were constructive, Chidambaram added.

The joint drafting committee was formed after a five-day fast-unto-death by social repormer Anna Hazare at Janatar Mantar here in April.

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