After PM, Uttarakhand may follow suit

After the declaration of assets by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his cabinet colleagues, it is now the turn of the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and his cabinet colleagues to follow suit.

Top government officials told Business Standard that though a bill in this regard is being re-drafted, which would be placed before the state cabinet for its approval, the ruling BJP is still divided on the issue. "Some ministers are supporting the bills while others are opposing," said a source.

Under the Bill, the chief minister and the cabinet colleagues would have to declare their assets every year.

However, the officials refused to give time frame for this, saying all depended on the chief minister. "Discussions have already been held in one of the last cabinet meetings where this bill was turned down for certain amendments. Now this bill is being drafted afresh and would come for discussions in one of the next cabinet meetings," the official said.

"There is still some hesitation. But we are positive that such bill will surely see the light of the day in coming weeks," said the official.

When contacted, parliamentary affairs minister Prakash Pant confirmed the bill was being redrafted but refused to give details.