Despite his order,Akhilesh’s ministers yet to declare assets

Minister of State for Protocol Abhishek Mishra had then stated: “This year,we have to declare the assets within 20 days. It is an order by the CM,and not a suggestion. Everybody has to comply.” Even Mishra’s assets are not available on the government website. He could not be reached for comment.

Akhilesh,who became Chief Minister on March 15,had posted the details of his assets on the official website of the state government on March 27. A day later,he also declared the assets of wife Dimple Yadav.

After that,only Minister of State for Social Welfare Narendra Verma declared his assets.

When no other ministers followed suit for three months,the Chief Minister sent a “most confidential” letter to all 19 cabinet ministers and 28 Ministers of State,asking them to declared the assets of self,spouse,minor children and dependent blood relatives,plus investments in form of jewellery,company shares and cash.

This time — again — not a single minister has complied. Here are responses of some of them:

Cabinet Minister for Stamps and Registration Durga Prasad Yadav said he was compiling the details and will declare the assets in two days.

Cabinet Minister for Labour and Employment Waqar Ahmed Shah said: “I had declared my assets once and I will again declare it. There is nothing to hide.” His assets are not there on the official website.

Cabinet Minister for Water Resources Om Prakash Singh said he is in Delhi,but his office informed he has not declared the assets till now and will do it soon.

Cabinet Minster Ahmed Hasan said he had very little assets and there is no problem in declaring them.

Cabinet Minister for Horticulture Raj Kishore Singh said he will declare his assets soon. “My everything is known to public but we will soon declare it.”

MoS for Rural Development (Independent Charge) Arvind Singh Gope said he will soon declare his assets.

MoS (Independent Charge) Women Welfare and Culture Aruna Kori said he will soon comply with CM’s directive.

MoS for Labour and Unemployment Shahid Manzoor said the assets of his entire are known to every person in Meerut and he will soon declare these.

MoS for Planning F M Kidwai,who is attached to CM, said: “I will do it shortly; in fact,I am just compiling the details.”

Cabinet Minister for Panchayti Raj Balram Yadav said he has to rush for an urgent meeting with the CM but his office informed that no details of his assets had been prepared.

MoS for PWD,Irrigation,Surendra Patel said he will revert with details later.

MoS for Rural Engineering Services (Independent Charge) Rajinder Singh Rana said,“It is being done and will be declared soon.”

MoS for Minority Welfare and Haj Chitranjan Swaroop said he had sent all details to CM’s Office. “I declared my assets soon after I got the letter.” His assets are not available on the government’s official website.

Besides a public declaration of assets,the Chief Minister had directed the ministers to refrain from buying or selling any property to the government,they or their family members would not run any business even in partnership,should not accept expensive gifts,certainly not gold and silver crowns,and all gifts above Rs 5,000 should be deposited in the state treasury,that they should keep a distance from organisations having any contract or licence from the government,stay only in government accomodation and avoid private dinners when on official tours,and check the antecendents of the host before attending any felicitation programme.