Maharashtra's tribal dept asked to probe siphoning of fund charges

The Maharashtra government was today directed by the Legislative Council to conduct an inquiry into the alleged siphoning of funds under the Thakkar Bappa Scheme for development of tribals in Palghar district.

Raising the issue during the Question Hour, NCP's Anand Thakur claimed that Jawhar taluka of Palghar needed funds of Rs 34 crore for its development, whereas the Tribal Development department allocated Rs 90 crore.

"What is the total amount of money that you (government) have allocated for the district and how much (money) people have received?" he asked.

In his reply, state Tribal Development Minister Vishnu Savara said for year 2014-15, the state government had got a proposal of Rs 34.1 crore for development and that no extra money was allocated by the government.

When several members objected to the minister's reply, Legislative Council chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar asked the government to conduct an inquiry.

"There are members who have objections to your reply.

Thus, I direct you to conduct an inquiry into the matter and table the findings," he said.