LUCKNOW, March 11 -- In a move aimed at increasing financial transparency and curbing corruption, the UP cabinet on Tuesday approved an amendment to Uttar Pradesh Government Employees Rules, 1956, making it mandatory for employees to inform appropriate authority if they invest an amount equivalent to more than six months of basic salary in stocks, shares or other investment in a calendar year. The cabinet, chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, approved the proposal to amend Rule 21 and 24 of the UP Government Employees Rules. Under the provisions of Rule 21, the employees would have to mandatorily inform the appropriate authority if they make any investment in stocks/shares etc, if the investment amount exceeds their six months' basic salary. Amendment to Rule 24 provides for mandatory information to appropriate authority for buying moveable assets equivalent to two months of their basic salary. It also requires them to declare their immoveable assets every year. Those aware of the development said the amendment would directly affect about nearly 8.5 lakh government employees. UP finance minister Suresh Khanna, who briefed media persons about the state cabinet's decisions, said strict action including denial of promotion or stopping salary, etc, may now be taken against employees for violating rules. It may be mentioned that the state government had already made it mandatory for employees to declare their assets every year. This was so far being done through government orders and conduct rules have now been amended to incorporate such provisions, said a senior officer....