Bengaluru: The state government is contemplating instituting a probe into large scale misappropriation of funds earmarked for the scheme under which bicycles were distributed to high school girls by the previous BJP government.
Law minister T.B. Jayachandra told the media after a meeting of the cabinet: “Though this scheme was launched in 2006, only three companies are participating (in the tender process).
While in states like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Haryana where similar type of schemes are operational, bicycles are being purchased at Rs 2780, Rs 2021 and Rs 2075 respectively by respective governments, but here each bicycle costs Rs 3650, or about Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 more than elsewhere.
Therefore, the state government feels that there is some kind of nexus exists among traders and manufacturers. As a result, we have decided to tweak existing tender rules for purchase of bicycles in future.”
Though media persons sought more details about the proposed probe, Mr Jayachandra declined to spell out any details about the nature of the probe, but only hinted that the state government suspected large scale misappropriation of funds since 2006.
Taking a tough stand against hoarders and black marketers, the government has decided to invoke Prevention of Black marketing Act – 1980 to prevent pilferage in Anna Bhagya scheme. “It was in Tumakuru that the first case of black marketing came to light a couple of weeks ago.
Therefore, we decided to invoke this Act. The Act provides an opportunity to the government to deal with hoarders and traders involved in black marketing. Once a trader is arrested, he or she will not get a bail for at least for six months,” he added.
