The
Hindu: Puducherry: Wednesday, June 26, 2019.
Allegations
raised against Ministers
Lieutenant
Governor Kiran Bedi has directed the Chief Secretary to file a report on
allegations of funds being diverted from Public Sector Undertakings for meeting
expenditure requirements in offices of certain Ministers.
Based
on a complaint filed by an RTI activist, the Lt. Governor has asked the Chief
Secretary to verify the complaint. In a WhatsApp message, Ms. Bedi said “on
receipt of the report from the Chief Secretary required action will follow if
the allegations are substantiated.”
The
RTI activist complained that Minister for Industries M.O.H.F. Shahjahan had
utilised funds set aside for the Puducherry Industrial Promotion, Development
and Investment Corporation (PIPDIC) for procuring stationery items, chair,
electric stove, ladder, vacuum cleaner and other items for his office. PIPDIC
funds to the tune of Rs.3 lakh were utilised for the purpose, the activist alleged.
Similarly
a sum of Rs.15,980 was taken from the Adi Dravida Welfare Corporation by
Minister for Social Welfare M. Kandasamy for meeting recreation expenses in his
office. Ms. Bedi in her message said “whoever breaks rules will be made
accountable. Public officials who facilitate violation of rules will also be
made accountable.”
She
asked all Public Sector Undertakings to provide information on their funds on
applications filed under Right to Information Act.
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