Oppn alleges scam in purchase of raincoats for ashram shalas

Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today launched an attack on Tribal Development Minister Vishnu Savra, pointing out several lacunae in the purchase of raincoats of ashram shalas (residential schools for tribals in rural areas).
Former minister Hasan Mushrif (NCP) raised the issue in the Lower House through a calling attention notice.
"There are 2.75 lakh students in 529 such ashram shalas in Maharashtra. It has been two months since the schools started, but these students are yet to get raincoats," Mushrif said.
"As per norms, the process of e-tendering should have been followed in the purchase of raincoats. However, it was not done," he said.

There is a scam in the purchase and ACB should probe it, Mushrif said.
Former Assembly Speaker Dilip Walse Patil sought to know why headmasters have been given powers to purchase raincoats costing up to Rs 3 lakh.