New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has
asked ministers to declare their assets as also those of their
spouses and dependents along with any business interests, as
per the annual exercise.
The ministers have been asked to furnish the details by
August 31 in accordance with the Code of Conduct for
Ministers.
"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...," Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar
has said in a June 2 letter to 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,"
he said.
He drew the attention of the ministers to the paragraphs
1(a), 2(a), 2(e) and 3.2 of the Code.
The paragraph 1(a) states -- "disclose to the Prime
Minister, or the Chief Minister, as the case may be
details of the assets and liabilities, and of business
interests, of himself and of members of his family.
"The details to be disclosed shall consist of particulars
of all immovable property and the total approximate value of
(i) shares and debentures, (ii) cash holdings and (iii)
jewellery. Such a Statement of assets and liabilities could be
in respect of the financial year for which the income tax
return has already been filed by the Minister".
The paragraph 2(a) states that "After taking office, and
so long as he remains in office, the Minister shall furnish
annually by the 31st August to the Prime Minister, or the
Chief Minister, as the case may be, a declaration regarding
his assets and liabilities for the previous financial year".
The paragraph 2(e) states that a minister should "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."
According to paragraph 3.2 "A Minister, including the
Union Ministers, the Chief Ministers and other Ministers of
State Governments/Union Territories, should not permit their
spouse and dependents to accept employment under a Foreign
Government, in India or abroad, or in a foreign organisation
(including commercial concerns) without prior approval of the
Prime Minister.
"Where the wife or a dependent of a Minister is already
in such employment, the matter should be reported to the Prime
Minister for decision whether the employment should or should
not continue.
"As a general rule, there should be total prohibition on
employment with a Foreign Mission".
PTI
