Code of Conduct for ministers not enforced
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 17, 2011: Even though a year has passed since the Centre asked the state to adopt the revised Code of Conduct for Ministers, Manipur government is yet to adopt it.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs provided a revised Code of Conduct for Ministers applicable to the members of the council of ministers at the state level on December 17, 2009.However, an official source said the state is yet to enforce it till date .An official source said that the state Confidential and Cabinet Department have prepared a Code of Conduct for the state with reference to the revised code of the MHA and the Code of Conduct adopted in line with the code the Himachal Pradesh government is following.

The Himachal Pradesh government furnished the revised code of conduct adopted in the state in response to Manipur government's request to furnish a copy.

Government sought copies of the same from different states so that it could prepare a Code of Conduct of its own.

However, only Himachal Pradesh government responded.

Incorporating the revised Code of Conduct provided by the MHA and Himachal Pradesh government, a Code of Conduct for the state was prepared but a final decision regarding the adoption is yet to be taken, the source said.

Among others, the prepared Code of Conduct includes disclosure of details of the assets and liabilities and of business interests, of ministers and their family members consisting of particulars of all immovable property and the total approximate value of, shares and debentures, cash holdings and jewellery.

Declaration of assets and liabilities for the previous financial year is to be furnished by August 31 of every year to the Chief Minister starting from the year of assumption of office.

To ensure that the members of his (minister) family do not start, or participate in, business concerns, engaged in supplying goods or services to the government (except in the usual course of trade or business and at standard or market rates) or being dependent primarily on grant of licences, permits, quotas, leases, etc., from the government.

The Chief Minister is to be reported, if any member of his family sets up, or joins in the conduct and management of, any other business, the Code of Conduct mentions among other points.

Other provisions of the purposed Code of Conduct states that a minister should not personally, or through a member of his family, accept contribution for any purpose, whether political, charitable or otherwise, if any purse or cheque intended for a registered society, or a charitable body, or an institution recognized by a public authority, or a political party is presented to him, he should pass it on as soon as possible to the organisation or for which it is intended.

Further, a minister should not associate himself with the raising of funds except for the benefit of a political party or a registered society or a charitable body, or an institution recognized by a public authority.

He should, however, ensure that such contributions are sent to a specified office bearer, etc.

of the society or body or institution of party concerned.

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