Khaira complains against Badal to Governor - Accuses CM of obstructing proceedings in corruption case
Thursday, 13/11/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20141113/punjab.htm#2
Chandigarh : Former Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has accused Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of obstructing criminal proceedings in a Rs 4.89-crore corruption case to save a former Education Minister of the state.In a complaint to Governor Shivraj Patil, he has alleged that Badal has been "misusing" his official authority to create hurdles in the criminal proceedings in the case.
Presenting a letter dated April 17, 2012, purportedly written by DGSE-cum-State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority (SSA), to the SSP Gurdaspur, Khaira said Rs 4,89,57,600 was e-transferred into SSA account No. 30143114647 under the DEO(S), Gurdaspur."The DEO(S) was to ensure purchase and distribution of school uniforms to 1,22,394 girls, SC and BPL students aged between 6 and 14 years at the rate of Rs 400 per child.
The beneficiaries were to be provided stitched uniforms through PUSWAK committees of schools. The then DEO(S), Shindo Sahni, apparently under directions from the then Education Minister SS Sekhwan, flouted guidelines and directed Block Primary Education Officers, vide letter SSA/Uniforms/2010-11/15082-16001 dated April 7, 2011, to make direct payment to two firms—Elite Tube Private Limited and Karan Enterprises of Jalandhar," Khaira said.Similarly, the grant received under the RMSA for the purchase of furniture for schools was also embezzled and payments were made directly to two firms—Gobind Impex of Jalandhar and Naresh Steel Furniture of Dera Bassi."
The said official letter categorically held the then DEO(S), a clerk and two other SSA officials responsible for the embezzlement of the government grant. The DGSE-cum-State Project Director recommended the registration of an FIR against the said culprits. The State Education Department has since then terminated the services of Shindo Sahni DEO(S) and has suspended other guilty officials," Khaira said.He said following no response from the SSP, Gurdaspur, and non-registration of FIR against the guilty, Principal Secretary-cum-DGSE Anjali Bhawra sent three reminders to him last year and the last one on May 9 this year, but to no avail.
The allegation
A sum of Rs 4.89 crore meant for uniforms of SC and BPL school students was embezzled
The then DEO(S) Shindo Sahni, apparently under directions from the then Education Minister SS Sekhwan, flouted guidelines and directed officers to make payment directly to two firms
An FIR was registered in the case and action taken against some officials, but now the matter is being hushed up to shield the former minister
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