Declare assets : PM

With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh intent on signalling that he places a high premium on governance and accountability, he has reminded ministers that they are required to declare their assets, liabilities and business interests in keeping with a code of conduct framed for them. In a letter to ministers, cabinet secretary K M Chandrasekhar has said they need to declare their involvement in conduct and management of businesses and the employment of spouses and children with foreign governments or organizations. The reminder, otherwise an annual ritual, gains some salience in light of the government battling the political fallout of several scams. The cabinet secretary has drawn attention to certain aspects of the code that ask ministers to sever all connections, “short of divesting himself of the ownership”, with the conduct and management of any business they were involved with before being appointed. The code also says ministers must distance themselves from any business concern that supplies goods or services to the government or official undertakings. Ministers are also required to report to the PM if any member of their family sets up, or joins in the conduct and management of any business. There are restrictions on spouses working for a foreign government in India or abroad, or a foreign organisation without prior approval of the prime minister.