Letter from Mr Minoo Masani

Summary

This 17 August 1962 letter from M. R. Masani to H. H. Maharaja P. K. Deo, M.P., urges that Masani’s party be represented on an important parliamentary committee due to examine the functioning of state enterprises. Masani presents participation not merely as a matter of party presence but as an opportunity for the party to make a specific contribution to scrutiny of public enterprises.

The enclosed newspaper clipping reports that the Lok Sabha was to debate on 27 August the creation of a committee to scrutinise public undertakings. The proposed committee would examine the undertakings’ reports and accounts, assess whether they were managed according to sound business principles and prudent commercial practice, and consider matters of major government policy and day-to-day administration. The clipping also notes that the committee would replace the Estimates Committee and the Public Accounts Committee in relation to public undertakings, with members serving for five years.

Key points

• Masani writes on 17 August 1962 to Maharaja P. K. Deo about the forthcoming election of a committee to watch the functioning of state enterprises.
• He asks that he or another important member of his party be appointed to the committee.
• Masani argues that his party has a specific contribution to make on the committee’s work.
• The enclosed clipping describes a proposed Lok Sabha committee to scrutinise public undertakings.
• The committee would examine reports and accounts and evaluate whether public undertakings followed sound business principles and prudent commercial practice.
• The proposed body would address both major government policy and day-to-day administration.
• The clipping states that the committee would replace the Estimates Committee and Public Accounts Committee for matters concerning public undertakings.