Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday tried to address India Inc.’s nervousness about infringement on its privacy following the leak of the Niira Radia tapes, saying there is a need to tighten procedures so that there are no future leaks.
He sought to reassure industry, saying he has asked the Cabinet Secretary to examine the issues surrounding the leaking of the Radia tapes and report to the Cabinet within a month.
Dr Singh said: “We wish to provide a level playing field for private businesses, free from fear or favour. I am aware of the nervousness in some sections of the corporate sector arising out of the powers conferred upon governmental authorities to tap phones for protecting national security and preventing tax evasion and money laundering.” The PM said while these powers are needed, they “have to be exercised with utmost care and under well-defined rules, procedures and mechanisms so that they are not misused.”
Industrialist Rahul Bajaj said that in today’s world these things are unfortunately necessary but the privacy of individuals should not be violated. ITC chairman Y.C. Deveshwar said corporates felt reassured after the PM’s statement.