Ministers must maintain Oath of Secrecy: Geetha

Minister for Information and Broadcasting J Geetha Reddy on Thursday categorically denied media reports that Chief Minister K Rosaiah had pulled up his Cabinet colleagues over alleged leakage of news.

Speaking to media persons at the Secretariat, Ms Geetha Reddy denied the reports, which appeared in a section of the press, that Mr Rosaiah was harsh in this regard with any Minister.

Pointing out that incidents of ‘leakage of news’ occurred even during the time when the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy was the chief minister, Ms Geetha Reddy stated that Dr Rajasekhara Reddy used to ask the Ministers to desist from such practices. She added that Mr Rosaiah had followed the former chief minister’s example and had asked the Ministers to refrain from such practice.

She stated that the Ministers, after taking the 'Oath of Secrecy' at the time of being sworn in, are expected to abide by the Oath and expected to maintain secrecy as responsible ministers.

Ms Geetha Reddy also stated that the Ministers were bound by the 'Oath' and would thus not reveal any information in advance.

The I and B Minister also made it clear that there were no regional differences among the Ministers and that they worked perfectly in unison and coordination.

Earlier, the Minister released a special issue of a fortnightly "Andarivadu" on the life and career of Chief Minister K Rosaiah.

The Minister, on this occasion, recalled her association with the Mr Rosaiah and described him as a man of integrity and a highly experienced Finance Minister, who had the record and distinction of presenting 16 budgets on the Floor of the House.

She further stated that he took over the reins of office after Dr Rajasekhara Reddy's demise at a crucial time and filled the void with good governance.