Congress stages walkout over 'irregularities' in repair works

Opposition Congress today alleged irregularities in repair works of roads and reservoirs, undertaken under disaster-relief fund in Sarguja division and demanded a probe by a committee of Chhattisagrh Assembly.
The Congress members staged a Walkout from the Assembly after the Government reply on the issue failed to satisfy them.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Pritam Ram (Congress) sought to know details about money sanctioned for Balrampur district in Sarguja division under disaster relief fund since 2013 and works done through it.
Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, answering in absence of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Premprakash Pandey, said a sum of Rs 17 crore was sanctioned for repairing several infrastructure facilities, including roads and reservoirs, in 2013-14 in the district. Another Rs 2 crore was approved in 2014-15.

Outlining works carried out in rural and urban areas, Agrawal admitted that complaints were received regarding irregularities in some works and accordingly action was taken against people concerned.
Leader of Opposition T S Singhdeo claimed repairing of an embankment on a nullah in Balrampur has been listed in the works done but on a physical verification by Congress leaders "no such nullah was found there". He sought to know on whose recommendation this particular work was done.

Replying to his query, Agrawal said no irregularities were found during an assessment.
He, however, assured to carry out sample examination (of materials) of specific works on demands of the members.

Subsequently, Singhdeo demanded an inquiry by a House committee into alleged malpractice in the works done under the fund and asked the Minister to clarify the Government stand.
He was supported by Congress members, who claimed irregularities were committed in repair works undertaken in other areas of the district.
Agrawal said further action will be taken once examination of projects is completed.
Dissatisfied with his answer, Congress members staged a walkout from the House.