In clean-up mode, Prithviraj Chavan issues dos and don’ts for mantris

All ministers in the Maharashtra will now be required to declare their assets as well as of their dependents.

They cannot accept gifts or favours from people or establishments they come in contact with in their official capacity. Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has just imposed a code of conduct on his council of ministers.

Chavan, who in the winter session of the assembly, underlined the need to curb corruption and make politicians and public servants accountable.

He has recently written a letter to his cabinet colleagues, asking them to declare their movable and immovable assets, including shares, debentures, investments and jewellery owned by them and their dependents in the next two months.

The letter comprises a number of other restrictions reminding the ministers the virtues of propriety and accountability.

Taking a lesson from the involvement of the ‘distant relatives’ of former chief minister Ashok Chavan in the Adarsh housing society scandal, the code of conduct refrains ministers and their relatives from accepting favours that involves conflicts of interest.    

The ministers have also been asked to distance themselves from any business or establishment they are associated with if it is related to the department they hold.

The chief minister’s code of conduct does not allow ministers to accept felicitations or gifts which are extravagant and lavish. The letter, which has the attachment of dos and don’ts with it, is on the lines on the Union government’s code of conduct to its ministers.

The ministers have been asked to reside in their own residences, government rest houses or notified hotels while on official tours.

They also have been asked not to retain the donations and financial helps meant to for the government exchequer with them.
Chavan’s missive has raised eyebrows in the council of ministers.

“We have been declaring our assets and belongings every election we fight. There was no need of another declaration. However, we have no option but to follow the orders,” said a minister on the condition of anonymity.

Parliamentary affair minister Harshavardhan Patil said the ministers have received the letters on Thursday and it’s compulsory for them to follow the directives.

The chief minister has retained the right to take action against erring colleagues with him.