Punjab education minister says ready for probe in books scam

Says he is ready for an independent agency probe into the matter; rules out tendering resignation

Under fire for alleged irregularities in the purchase of books for government school libraries, Punjab Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka today said he was ready for an independent agency probe into the matter and ruled out tendering resignation.

"I will meet Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and request him to get the matter inquired by any agency except the education department, to find out the truth (in the purchase of books) and the culprit should be punished," the minister announced today in a press conference held here.

Responding to a question about his resignation, he said, "It is the CM's right (to ask for resignation). Unless you hold me responsible, how could you seek my resignation?"

Punjab Congress Chief Partap Singh Bajwa had yesterday sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investgation into the alleged "book scam" in the state education department and charged the minister for misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 9.5 crore.

Maluka, who holds the education portfolio, is facing heat over alleged irregularities in the purchase of books for government school libraries, ignoring procedures and rules.

The minister said he had already ordered an inquiry by the principal secretary (education) into the matter and stopped supply of books to schools.

"The first inquiry conducted by the director general school education has found some wrongdoings... We will go to the bottom of the matter and the guilty will be punished," he said.

A committee was constituted with a motive to suggest books at minimum rates,he said adding, it was proposed that government schools including primary and secondary ones, would purchase 13,000 books.

"So far books worth Rs 22 lakh have been purchased by schools in Ropar and Hoshiarpur," Maluka said.

Asked about the purchase of science lab kits, he said the education department had not made any payment in this regard. "It was the DGSE who has to take a call in this regard," he added.