In a bid to convey the message that the government means business where tackling corruption is concerned even among its own, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday reminded his council of ministers to declare their assets and business interests by August 31. The declaration is sought under the government’s code of conduct for
ministers and requires the minister’s spouse and other dependents too to file a declaration annually by August 31.
The government’s attempts to make ministers declare their assets is seen as yet another attempt to appear tough on corruption and enforce transparency and accountability in governance. The PM’s message to his council of ministers comes at a time when the government has found itself embroiled in a series of scams like 2G spectrum allocation, Adarsh and the Commonwealth Games.
What has also caused the government acute embarrassment in recent months is the arrest of former communications minister A. Raja of the DMK, who is behind bars since early February. And now investigating agencies like the CBI appear to be nipping at the heels of Union textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran, who had earlier been communications minister, also in connection with the 2G scam.
Sharp attacks from civil society activists like Anna Hazare as well as yoga guru Baba Ramdev over issues such as corruption and black money too have prompted the government to appear more proactive on the corruption front.
The latest missive dated June 2 asking all ministers to declare their assets has been sent by Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar. “I have been directed by the Prime Minister to apprise you of the declarations required to be made by a member of the Union council of ministers in accordance with the code of conduct for ministers,” the Cabinet Secretary wrote.
Mr Chandrasekhar’s letter also tells ministers: “In this connection I am to inform you that in terms of the code of conduct, details in respect of assets, liabilities, business
interests, conduct and management of any other business and employment of spouse and dependents under a foreign government or organisation are required to be disclosed by the members of the Union council of ministers.”
While the August 31 deadline has been stipulated in the missive, it remains to be seen if all the PM’s team members stick to this date. While the PM has sent similar directives in the past asking ministers to declare their assets and business interests, many have chosen to ignore the deadline or filed details much later than the stipulated date.
Among other things, the code requires ministers to disclose particulars of all immovable property and the total approximate value of shares and debentures, cash holdings and jewellery. This assets and liabilities statement could be in respect of the financial year for which the income-tax return has already been filed by the minister.
Yet another clause in the code requires a minister to “report the matter to the Prime Minister, or the chief minister as the case may be, if any member of his family sets up, or joins in the conduct and management of any other business.”
The code also specifies that ministers, chief ministers and state government ministers should not permit their spouse or dependents to accept employment under a foreign government in India or abroad, or in a foreign organisation (including commercial concerns) without the prior approval of the PM.