Probe into alleged irregularities in purchasing solar lights

An inquiry will be conducted in alleged irregularities in purchasing of solar lights by village panchayats in Rajasthan, the state Assembly was told today.
Rural Development and Panchayti Raj Minister Gulabchand Kataria informed the House that recovery of money, if paid extra, for the purchase will made and a case would also be registered in the matter if required.
Replying to a call attention motion during Zero Hour moved by the ruling party legislator Mohanlal Gupta, Kataria said that those found guilty and involved in the 'scandal' would be punished.
He said that all the 9,177 village panchayats in the state have purchased solar lights for schemes and there were complaints of irregularities in the purchase from Zila Parishads of Pali, Rajsamand and Sirohi and reports from other districts were awaited.

The Minister informed the House that on the basis of information received from 19 districts, solar lights were purchased by 1,182 village panchayats on high rate which prima facie is estimated to incur an additional amount of Rs 11.29 crore.