Lok Sabha Secretariat Tightens Confidentiality Rules Amid 'Cash-For-Query' Controversy

The Lok Sabha secretariat has emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality in the handling of government responses to MPs during the Question Hour. This directive comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding TMC MP Mahua Moitra and the alleged "cash-for-query" scandal. The Lok Sabha secretariat, in a bulletin dated November 10, highlighted that the replies, being log-in and password protected on the Members' Portal, are exclusively meant for the use of Members, as reported by PTI. 

Members have been reminded to uphold the confidentiality of these replies and refrain from sharing the contents with others until the Question Hour concludes. The secretariat clarified that the contents of the reply to a question are considered "strictly confidential" until the question is asked and answered in the House. Even in cases where a question does not come up for oral answer, the reply should not be released until the conclusion of the Question Hour.

The bulletin also stressed that questions listed for written answers should be treated as confidential until laid on the Table of the House after the Question Hour. While sources indicate that these are existing rules, the reiteration comes in the aftermath of the controversy involving Mahua Moitra.

Moitra faced allegations from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, accusing her of allowing a Dubai-based businessman access to her parliamentary portal in exchange for bribes. The Ethics Committee of the House recommended her expulsion, a decision she dismissed as that of a "kangaroo court." Moitra admitted to sharing her log-in credentials but denied the bribery charges.

Nishikant Dubey, sharing the secretariat's bulletin, took a dig at Moitra, implying that the "corrupt MP" might not have been informed of these rules. He emphasized the potential consequences of sharing replies prematurely, stating that it could impact the stock market and compromise national security depending on the content.

In a new initiative, the secretariat announced that replies to 'Starred Questions' will be uploaded on the members' portal by 9 am on the day of the reply. As the Winter Session of Parliament is set to begin on December 4, members have started submitting their questions.

The decision on the Ethics Committee's recommendation for Moitra's expulsion is anticipated during the session, with the Trinamool Congress supporting her after initially adopting a "wait and watch" approach. TMC President Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the issue, stating that plans were underway to expel Moitra from Parliament. However, she added that such action could make Moitra more popular ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Banerjee questioned the timing of the move, suggesting that it might be a strategic decision by Moitra to gain public sympathy.