Jairam raises MPs' ethics issue with LS Speaker

Citing conflict of interests, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has complained to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar about alleged violation of norms by MPs approaching him with matters of companies they are running or associated with and raising issues related to projects that do not fall in their constituencies.

Citing conflict of interests, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has complained to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar about alleged violation of norms by MPs approaching him with matters of companies they are running or associated with and raising issues related to projects that do not fall in their constituencies.

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In a letter written to the Speaker, Ramesh also urged her to dissuade MPs from meeting officials directly, saying such meetings were often used to put pressure on the ministry.

Raising issues of "serious conflict of interest", Ramesh said, "The first category of MPs approach me on behalf of the companies they run or with which they are closely associated".

"This is a blatant violation of norms. I have tried to discourage this but have not entirely succeeded," he said.

Ramesh said he also found objectionable MPs approaching him and pleading for or against projects that are neither in their state nor in their constituency.

"I find this also objectionable, especially when the same letter is signed by MPs from different states," he said.

"I can understand this and I have no problem with such representations," he said.

"I would request you to please take note of the first two categories of MPs. Serious ethics issues are involved here. I would like you to dissuade MPs from meeting officials directly. Such meetings are often used to put pressure," Ramesh said.