Make ethics code binding on all MLAs: Sukhu

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 23

Former Congress president and sitting legislator Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu today stressed the need for probity and accountability in public life so that all MLAs make declaration of their assets and liabilities on the Vidhan Sabha website annually.

Addressing a press conference here today, Sukhu said he had sought discussion on the issue as a Private Member Resolution in the Vidhan Sabha on August 29. “Despite this being an issue which would help change the poor and negative public perception about elected representatives, my request for it to be taken up in the house for discussion was turned down,” he said. He said the decision was taken after it was discussed in the Business Advisory Committee of the Vidhan Sabha.

Sukhu said he had sought debate on the topic so as to bring about transparency in public life and making ethics code binding on all legislators. He added that all MLAs must declare their assets and liabilities annually and a website must be created for this purpose by the Vidhan Sabha.

“Even though all of us make declaration of our assets and liabilities in election affidavits and also file income tax returns every year I feel we must do it on the website annually. Also, we must disclose the value of the property acquired and the source of money for acquiring it,” he said, adding that if this is done declaration will have to be made by every MLA on the web portal of the Vidhan Sabha.

Sukhu said he was keen that the legislators must discuss the issue so that a legislation could have been made on it. “The step would only help to bring about transparency and accountability for legislators,” he said.