The state government has decided to set up a panel headed by chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia to investigate the financial irregularities in the multi-crore irrigation projects in Maharashtra.
The state government has decided to set up a panel headed by chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia to investigate the financial irregularities in the multi-crore irrigation projects in Maharashtra.
The decision to hand over the probe has been taken to ascertain the role of field officers involved in executing the projects in irrigation sector.
To begin with, the government has directed the panel to restrict its probe to the role of 45 officials, including former chief executive engineer DP Shirke, in projects undertaken by Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC).
Highly placed sources in the CMO said, “Congress and NCP leaders have given their consent to the look into the role of field officers and contractors related to the projects.”
Sources in the water resources ministry said, “The state’s decision is a political move aimed at preempting the oppositions demand for CBI investigations.”
Interestingly, water resources minister Sunil Tatkare will continue the work of compiling data for the white paper ahead of the winter session of the state legislature commencing on December 10.
Explaining the decision to begin the probe, a senior officer in CMO said, “The VICD projects have the CAG and Vadnera reports to carry the investigation forward. But in other projects, like the ones in the Konkan region or in western Maharashtra, we will have to first ascertain the facts before ordering any investigations.”
Politically, it suits the democratic front government to probe the role of officers in VIDC as it will also expose the involvement of contractors associated with BJP/RSS. On the contrary the NC P is anxiously waiting to see Congress leaders representing the region land in trouble once the probe begins.
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Manikrao Thakre’s name has been dragged in for writing letter to the Centre and state, pushing the projects. However, Thakre has denied any involvement in the project.
The panel is expected to complete its investigations within three months.
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