Non-utilisation of the funds - Congress leaders demand high-level enquiry
Saturday, 08/11/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20141108/ldh1.htm#12
PHILLAUR : The Congress MLA, Rakesh Pandey, PPCC general secretary Satnam Singh Kainth, ex-MP and PPCC secretary Parminder Mehta, today took a strong exception to the non-utilisation of the funds earmarked for the welfare of the Dalits.
The leaders demanded a high-level enquiry into the non-utilisation of the funds saying such a lapse cannot be unintentional. They alleged that the Badal government had exhibited its discriminatory attitude by diverting the funds, meant for Scheduled Castes, to other schemes.
They said the recent report submitted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on the utilisation of funds by the state government meant for the Dalits had exposed the Badal government. The implementation of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan has put Punjab at the bottom among the states, the trio claimed. They said it was shocking that the Badal government had failed to utilise 33 per cent of the plan.
They claimed that an amount of about Rs 1,300 crore for scheduled castes remained unspent in 2012-13. While in the previous year, the amount was reportedly Rs 1,420.93 crore.
The leaders also slammed Badal government for the proposed increase in VAT to 12.5 percent for diesel, which will increase the price by Rs 2.25 per litre. They said the Punjab Congress will oppose this move and will launch an agitation, if imposed.
Commenting on the ruling alliance between SAD and BJP, the Congress Leaders alleged that despite deep differences between both the ruling parties, the leaders of SAD and BJP have started damaged control exercise, keeping in view the coming local bodies’ elections in Punjab and Assembly poll in Delhi.
