Sonia to CMs: Stick to austerity code

In a bid to enforce the 8216;8216;code of austerity and ethics8217;8217; on party leaders, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has written to CMs of all Congress-ruled states.

8216;8216;I am concerned to find that violations of this code have again started occurring in some of the states where our party has formed government,8217;8217; she has written.

The code stipulates the formation of an ethics committee by every PCC, and makes it mandatory for MLAs and MPs to submit annual income and assets statements. Party members are required to avoid ostentatious functions.

The code directs them not to present gifts, and avoid dinners or luncheons at government expense. Red beacons on cars can be used only by the Governor and the CM. Each ministers will get one official car. Their air travel should be by economy class. Sonia wants ceilings on official telephone use by ministers. Minister or minister of state rank to chairpersons of boards and corporations are not allowed.