I,me,mine

In a perverse way,this is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in privatising these PSUs a carefully designed system of patronage will then collapse.

Requiring that MPs on PSU panels disclose their business interests is necessary,but the principle should be more widely enforced in Parliament. In recent years,a sense of disquiet has been expressed over the presence in Parliament of businesspersons as well as politicians with myriad business interests. As a recent controversy attests,this can sometimes invite demands that these persons be kept away from the legislature. This is neither feasible,nor is it advisable. Legislatures benefit from the variety of backgrounds and interests of MPs. What is important,however,is that for this diversity to truly deepen parliamentary debate,oversight procedures and the deliberations of parliamentary committees,there must be complete transparency.

Therefore,disclosure requirements need to be more stringent and encompassing. Conflicts of interest that are both direct as well as indirect such as family stakes,which rule 52A doesnt mention can thereby be avoided,in much the same way that declaring the assets of politicians and now hopefully judges provides a climate of transparency that breeds accountability. The Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings has set an example that must serve as a starting point.