Two embarrassing

The Saradha collective investment scheme scandal may have encouraged the West Bengal finance department to be more cautious about releasing money, even when it involves clearing reimbursement claims of members of the legislative Assembly (MLA). That caution, however, became the cause of huge embarrassment for finance department officials. Recently, Khagen Murmu, a tribal CPI-M MLA from Habibpur (Malda), submitted two medical bills. The bills were for the MLA's spouse but against two different names. The state finance department sought clarifications from Murmu, only to be told that he does indeed have two spouses. Murmu was also irritated by the enquiry. As he pointed out, the information was very much available in his brief profile recorded with the Assembly (a fact Business Standard verified), and officials should have checked that out before approaching him. The finance department was, however, quick to release the reimbursement thereafter.