Belagavi, Jul 8 (DHNS): The Opposition BJP and the JD(S) on Tuesday stalled the proceedings of the Legislative Council, demanding a house committee probe into irregularities in the purchase of pillows and mattresses by the Social Welfare Department.
The combined opposition also demanded that the government immediately suspend all the guilty officials. They rejected the government's assurance of ordering a CID investigation and declared their intention of continuing the protest on Wednesday if the government failed to concede to their demand. Members of both the parties staged a dharna and shouted slogans throughout the day.
Opposition leader K S Eshwarappa said the government should not try to protect the officials who have gobbled the money meant for SCs and STs. “The government should not stand on prestige in this issue. Such irregularities will continue if the guilty officials are not punished. The committee, if set up, will submit its report within a month's time,” he added.
JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti said Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya had admitted to irregularities to the tune of Rs 19 crore in the purchase. He had also stated that the case could be handed over to the CID.
“Why is the government hesitant to set up a house committee,” he asked. Although the ruling side, including floor leader S R Patil, tried to defend the government, Anjaneya remained a mute spectator.
The Social Welfare Minister had recently accused then Department Secretary Manjunath Prasad, then Commissioner of Social Welfare S N Jayaram and then Executive Director of Karnataka Residential Education Institution Society (KREIS) Naganayak of spending exorbitant sums on purchasing mattresses to be supplied to the students of the residential schools. The Minister had also found the mattresses of inferior quality.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah later rejected the Opposition's demand and said that he had already directed the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to conduct an inquiry. The government will forward the ACS report to the CID, if necessary. Besides, action will be taken against the officials if they are found prima facie guilty.
“We need proper records to take action. We have to verify whether the officials have taken any illegal step before taking any action,” he stated. When the Opposition parties continued their protest, Chairman D H Shankaramurthy adjourned the House for the day.