Finally, a special investigation team (SIT) headed by leading water expert Dr Madhav Chitale would probe the Maharashtra's multi-crore irrigation scam. The announcement in this regard was made by water resources minister Sunil Tatkare in the legislative council today in Nagpur. The terms of reference of the SIT and the appointment of members would be finalised by December 31. The government thereby has set at rest speculation over establishment of a judicial commission to inquire into the irrigation scam.
NCP, which was reluctant for SIT probe, gave in after it was practically isolated on this issue as opposition Shiv Sena-BJP, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena were quite adamant while NCP's co-partner Congress party was a silent observer.
"We have considered all aspects of the situation and then decided to appoint an SIT to enquire into the matter," Tatkare told reporters. He said that the head and members of the SIT, the time-frame for the probe and other issues will be announced before December 31.
A victorious Vinod Tawade, leader of opposition in the council, welcomed the announcement and expressed satisfaction over the government's decision. "From day one, when the 'White Paper' was presented by the state government, I have maintained that it was a 'Whitewash' and demanded an SIT to probe the irrigation department scam," Tawade said. He demanded that the SIT should be headed by a respected technocrat like Madhav Chitale so that all aspects of the alleged scam could be exposed.
Incidentally, the Tatkare holds the water resources ministry while deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was his predecessor during 1999 and 2009. The scam, which came to the fore during Pawar's ministership, was pertaining to various irregularities which led to cost and time over run. In case of 38 irrigation projects especially from the underdeveloped Vidarbha region an unholy nexus between politicians, contractors and irrigation department officials came to surface. Opposition's demand for SIT probe paralysed the proceedings of the state legislature last week as they claimed that the white paper released by the government on November 29 on irrigation sector was a white wash. On the other hand, NCP said that white paper and the subsequent two documents released by it clearly show that the irrigation potential rose by 5.17% and not by 0.1% as observed by the Economic Survey.
The white paper also gave a clean chit to Ajit Pawar who had resigned on September 25 following expose on irrigation scam rejoined on December 7.
Meanwhile, Eknath Khadse, leader of opposition in the state assembly demanded that Ajit Pawar should step down as deputy chief minister till Madhav Chitale committee completes the inquiry. He said there was every possibility of Pawar's interference during the functioning of the committee.