Chandigarh, August 4
Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has put in her papers as Managing Director of Gurgaon-based Orbit Resorts that runs a high-profile five-star chain of hotels.

According to a communiqué to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), she put in her papers to the board of directors of Orbit Resorts on June 11 citing "personal reasons".

However, this coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi impressing upon his colleagues that they should reveal their business interests and liabilities to the Cabinet within two months. The orders were issued after Modi took over as PM on May 26.

This move comes after the PM said "a minister has to ensure that his family members do not start or participate in any business concerned engaged in supply of goods or services to the government."

The ministers are supposed to disclose all particulars of their immovable properties. Total approximate value of shares and debentures, cash holdings and jewellery owned by themselves and family members, the PM orders state.

As per information from the MCA, her resignation had been accepted and the directors of the firm now include Mohammed Jameel and Lakhvir Singh. Manoj Sharma has been cited at the secretary of the company.

The Badal family has a huge interest in transport, civil aviation, media and hospitality industry in the region.

The Tribune has no information so far of any other ministers in the Modi government having any business interests and their having disassociated themselves from these.