Date:31/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/31/stories/2006013100671200.htm

Back An attempt to plug `leakage' of news

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Jan. 30

IN an attempt to plug the "leakage" of news from the Petroleum Ministry, the new Petroleum Minister, Mr Murli Deora, will appoint an official spokesperson for the Ministry to interact with the media. This was one of the first announcements made by him.

Mr Deora, who began his stint as Petroleum Minister with a 45-minute meeting with his predecessor, Mr Aiyar, at the latter's residence, said that he will make all efforts to make his Ministry as transparent as possible.

However, this move of Mr Deora is seen as a step to "plug the leakage" in his Ministry to ensure that confidential papers do not land in the hands of journalists.

Mr Aiyar has often complained about the "stealing" of important documents from the Ministry. He had even compared the relationship between the media and his Ministry with that of Ali Baba and 40 thieves, with himself as Ali Baba.

Mr Deora said he was "shocked to know" that several confidential papers prepared by the Ministry reached journalists before the Minister saw them. "I will ensure that such things do not happen," the Minister said.

He added that he was going to appoint a nodal officer in the Ministry so that "you people can interact with him and get all information in detail."