New Delhi, Nov 24 (IANS): The Congress on Friday asked how Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had permitted the Shipping Ministry as well as PSUs to participate in and financially contribute to a company partly owned by his personal secretary Vaibhav Dange.

The opposition party also raised the point of conflict of interest vis-a-vis Gadkari.

According to reports, Dange floated the 'Indian Federation of Green Energy' (IFGE) on October 9, 2014, and owns a 50 per cent stake in it.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked: "The IFGE organises conclaves and programmes in tandem with PSUs and ministries under Gadkari's control and receives financial contributions. The firm also receives contributions from private individuals, corporate entities sponsoring these events and those who deal directly with ministries under Gadkari.

"This becomes even more serious as Dange deals directly with all ministries and public sector undertakings related issues as also private entities in his capacity as private secretary to the Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister."

"Isn't the conflict of interest of Gadkari writ large on the whole matter?" Ramesh asked.

"Has Dange not violated the Central Civil Service Conduct Rules, which prohibit a public servant from accepting contributions and associating with raising of any funds or collections or cash?" he added.