Get clearance from LS, RS chairs before disclosing ministers' assets: CIC

TNN, Jun 8, 2010, 06.45am IST

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission (CIC) on Monday directed the Prime Minister's Office to declare the assets of Union ministers after getting clearance from the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairperson.

Chief information commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said the advice from the Speaker and the Chairperson would also be applicable for all future RTI queries seeking such details of Union ministers.

The matter related to an RTI application of Subhash Agrawal, who sought information on assets, wealth and income of all the Union ministers from the Cabinet Secretariat. But the matter kept on shuttling between the PMO and Cabinet Secretariat as to who holds the requisite information. It was finally concluded that the PMO would provide the information.

The Commission was to decide whether the permission of the respective Chairs of both the Houses was needed by the PMO for disclosing the assets as ministers also assume the role of MPs.

The Lok Sabha said as per rules there was no need of the Speaker's permission to declare the assets of ministers which are held by the PMO.

Habibullah, however, said the PMO would seek the permission of the respective heads of both the Houses to settle the matter. The advice from them would also be applicable for all future application seeking such details.