GoM skips discussion on model code of conduct

It was to discuss giving statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct

PTI | February 22, 2012



A high-powered Group of Ministers on corruption met on Wednesday but did not discuss the controversial proposal for giving statutory backing to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) which in effect would take away its enforcement from the hands of the Election Commission.

Meeting in the midst of controversy over the alleged move to clip the EC's powers, the GoM discussed various issues including Public Procurement Bill and the report of a committee on utilisation of natural resources.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting chaired by Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said some controversy has erupted over the MCC and despite his ministry's denial on the issue "some confusion persisted".

"I would like to say that the terms of reference of the GoM on corruption does not include the MCC. Therefore, today in the deliberations, since it is not in the ToR, it was not discussed.

"Therefore, the question of the issue of the model code of conduct being deliberated in the GoM does not arise," he said.

When pointed that the note circulated to GoM members clearly specifies the issue of MCC, the minister said at the time of discussions, suggestions come.

"Suggestions will be there. But it is not part of the terms of reference. Several suggestions will come," he said, adding that the issue was not discussed.

A fresh controversy had broken out over reports that powers of the EC are being curtailed but it was dubbed as "totally mischievous" by the government which also said this may be considered as part of electoral reforms if political parties want it.

Comments

 

Other News

Income Tax dept holds Ghatkopar Outreach on new IT Act

The Income Tax Department organised an outreach programme in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, to raise awareness about the key features of the Income Tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to promote taxpayer awareness, simplify compliance, and strengthen a transparent, eff

Making AI work where governance is closest to people

India’s next governance leap may not solely come from digitisation. It will come from making public systems more intelligent, more adaptive, and more responsive to the dynamics at the grassroots. That opportunity is especially significant at the panchayat level, where governance is not an abstract po

Borrowing troubles: How small loans are quietly trapping youth

A silent crisis is playing out in the pocket of young India, not in stock markets or government treasuries, but in smartphones of college students and first-jobbers who clicked on the Apply Now button without reading the small print.  A decade ago, to take a loan, you had to do some paperwor

A 19th-century pilgrim’s progress

The Travels of a Sadhu in the Himalayas By Jaladhar Sen (Translated by Somdatta Mandal) Speaking Tiger Books, 259 pages, ₹499.00  

India faces critical shortage of skin donors amid rising burn cases

India reports nearly 70 lakh burn injury cases every year, resulting in approximately 1.4 lakh deaths annually. Experts estimate that up to 50% of these lives could be saved with adequate access to skin donations.   A significant concern is that around 70% of burn victims fall wi

Not just politics, let`s discuss policies too

Why public policy matters Most days, India`s loudest debates stop at the ballot box. We can name every major leader and recall every campaign slogan. Still, far fewer of us can explain why a widow`s pension is delayed or how a government school`s budget is actually approved. That


Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter