Congress activists burn Maluka's effigy, demand his dismissal

Phagwara Block Congress Committee activists today staged protest here and demanded dismissal of Punjab Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka for alleged irregularities in the purchase of school library books, science kits and supply of map masters.
Led by former Punjab minister Joginder Singh Mann, the Congress workers also burnt the effigy of Maluka outside the office of Block Primary Education Officer.
Mann alleged that certain books glorified Naxalite movement, contained provocative material, which was not suitable for children.
"Certain poems and 'bolis'(couplets) contained in a primary books were extremely unsuitable and objectionable to tender minds of children. Some of the couplets are derogatory to womenfolk. Some glorify hardline ideology and hot-headed elements," he claimed.

Outrightly rejecting inquiry by a retired High Court Judge into the scam as an eyewash, Mann demanded probe by a sitting High Court Judge into it.
"A CBI enquiry was also required," he said, demanding either Maluka be sacked or made to step down.
Punjab Congress Chief Partap Singh Bajwa yesterday had sought a CBI probe into the alleged "book scam" in the state education department and charged the minister for misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 9.50 crore.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal yesterday ordered probe into the alleged book scam which would be conducted by the retired Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice A N Jindal.