Newstrack India: New
Delhi: Tuesday, April 16, 2013.
The case on
making IT Returns of MPs/ MLAs public has been referred to a larger bench of
three Information Commissioners and the hearing date has been set for tomorrow.
There have
been a total of two hearings with the CIC based on the appeal filed by ADR to
provide copies of IT returns of the Parliamentarians for larger public
interest. The list containing names of 42 MPs/ MLAs was based on the
disproportionate asset increase between two elections.
The larger
bench, which comprises of Rajiv Mathur, M.L. Sharma and Annapurna Dixit as the
Information Commissioners, is expected to hear the arguments of both the sides
prior to giving a judgement.
ADR, in a
submission to the CIC, also provided the details of those MPs/ MLAs who had
voluntarily disclosed their Income Tax Returns details for not only one year
but, in a few cases, more than 6 years. ADR had requested a number of
politicians to voluntarily disclose their IT Returns to which a total of 28
politicians responded positively.
The MPs/ MLAs
had provided copies of their IT returns along with their quotes as to why they
are willing to set an example for larger public interest.
The 28
legislators volunteered to disclose their IT returns in the public domain by
publishing it on their websites and by providing copies of their Returns to ADR
with a request that it be available for public access.
Eight legislators
came forward with their opinion on why their IT returns should be made public,
stating that this disclosure improves transparency thereby accountability of
not just the Parliamentarians but also the political class in general.
Mehboob Beg,
of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Party and currently a member of the
Lok Sabha, has said "I really appreciate the initiative and strongly
believe that unless and until the political class makes itself accountable and
leads by example, the people will lose faith in the system and that is what
shouldn't happen."
Dr Ajoy Kumar
of JVM party and a member of the Lok Sabha stated, "In my view, a true
public representative is one who governs effectively and at the same time
maintains honesty and integrity in character. In a democracy that is as vibrant
as India, 'effective governance' can only be ensured when there is
'accountability' in the system and similarly, accountability can only be
ensured when there is 'transparency'.
Anu Aga, a
nominated member of the Rajya Sabha said, "I am convinced about the value
and utility of this request made by the Association for Democratic Reforms. As
a Member of Rajya Sabha, I feel it is my responsibility to be transparent and
contribute in every way for a cleaner public life. I am also clear that any
move for change in our society has to begin with our private selves."
Dinesh
Trivedi, of AITC and a member of the Lok Sabha, said, "For your kind
information I had filled my statement of my financial account even as back as
1990 when I become 1st time MP...that time I was told no such system
existed.... but any case I feel people in public life should have every thing
open to public..."
Justice
Mandagadde Rama Jois, a member of the Rajya Sabha and former Governor of
Jharkhand and Bihar States, provided his IT returns and stated "Among all
kinds of purities, financial purity is the most important".
Baishnab Ch.
Parida, of BJD and a member of the Lok Sabha said, "In politics, to
maintain transparency in life, people should know about the income of elected
people. Sometimes, people amass money which is out of their sources of income
and they misuse it in elections."
"By that
reason, election has become a joke and if this continues the ideals of
democracy will not sustain in our country. The CSOs like NEW are doing
commendable work and they should expedite their work further and bring the
realities of political life to the notice of our people," he added.
Tathagata
Satpathy, of BJD and a current member of Lok Sabha, said, "Very few people
in the nation pay taxes. Every taxpayer is a breed apart. I am grateful to the
society that it has enabled me to be a taxpayer. Therefore, my tax returns give
me pride as well as a sense of ownership of the nation."
Muttemwar
Vilasrao Baburaoji, of INC and a current member of Lok Sabha said,
"Transparency should be there in public life. People want their elected
representatives to be transparent."
The Income
Tax Returns of an individual is currently considered private information under
Sections 8(1)(j), 8(1)(e) and 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act.
ADR is
hopeful that the judgement post the hearing might have a large impact on public
knowledge of finances of the politicians and also check for authenticity of
information on assets provided by the candidates in their affidavits.
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