Maharashtra has 529 tribal ashrashalas where 1.91 lakh students study, and delays in procurement have led to students being deprived of raincoats although the rainy season has already set in.
Another minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government seems to be in the cross hairs of the Opposition, which has levelled allegations of irregularities occurring under his watch. And, it is tribal development minister Vishnu Savra.
Speaking in the state assembly on Wednesday, leader of the Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil alleged that there were irregularities in the tribal development department's plans to purchase raincoats for students in tribal ashramshalas (residential schools).
Maharashtra has 529 tribal ashrashalas where 1.91 lakh students study, and delays in procurement have led to students being deprived of raincoats although the rainy season has already set in.
Hasan Mushrif (NCP-Kagal) alleged that a "corrupt chain" involving Mantralaya officers and contractors was in charge of procurements. Members from the Opposition benches, including Vikhe-Patil and Jayant Patil (NCP), demanded an inquiry by a special investigation team (SIT) or the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB). However, Savra declined their demand and said the matter would be probed by the state industries department.
Savra said after delays in the e-tendering procedure came to light, they had decided to decentralise the process by allowing principals of these schools to procure uniforms by increasing their financial powers to Rs3 lakh from Rs50,000. Later, the matter reached the courts, which had given directions on July 13. Clarifications had been sought from the officials responsible for the delay. The department had also launched an inquiry and action would be taken against the guilty, Savra added.
Vikhe Patil alleged that many of the suppliers, who had submitted their rate contracts, were bogus and he had evidence from local bodies like gram panchayats and municipal corporations in this regard. Registered ADs sent to their addresses had returned. "This corruption is directly linked to you... this suspicion is increasing," he charged.
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