Cong demands CBI probe into anomalies in book purchase for

Claiming large-scale loot in purchase of books for Schedule Tribe/Schedule Caste students of a government-run medical college here, former Jharkhand minister Banna Gupta today demanded a CBI probe into the alleged corruption.
Addressing a press conference here, Gupta said in 2014-15, the district welfare department had received Rs 75 lakh in four instalments for purchase of books distributed among 90 ST/SC students of M G M Medical college.
Gupta, who circulated copies of correspondence between the state government, department officials, district administration as well as the details sought under RTI Act by him, said as per the Central and Jharkhand Welfare Department guidelines, one set of books (one set for two students) worth Rs 7,500/ was to be distributed.

"A total 45 sets of book worth Rs 3,37,500 had to be distributed among the students, but the welfare department had spent Rs 75 lakh," he said alleging Rs 71,62,500 in excess have been spent to benefit officials, employees and the suppliers.
As per the details sought under RTI Act, the Congress leader said it revealed that the state Health Department had also allocated Rs 60 lakh for the purpose.
During the last five years, the college had to purchase books worth Rs18 lakh, but the officials had spent Rs 4.02 crore, which was an excess of Rs 3.82 core, Gupta alleged.

Besides, it was found that the cost of books purchased were two and half times higher than the actual prices, he claimed.
Gupta said the matter was informed to the Chief Minister, Chief and Principal Secretary of Jharkhand and district administration, but no action was taken.
Apprehending of a similar corruption and loot in other two medical colleges of the state, Gupta demanded a thorough probe into the purchase of books by the CBI.