Punjab Congress to seek CBI inquiry in 'book scam'

Punjab Congress today said it will seek CBI inquiry from Union HRD Minister M M Pallam Raju into the alleged embezzlement of central funds given under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rahstriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.
Stating this, PPCC Spokesman Sukhpal Singh Khaira said the party rejected the judicial probe ordered by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in the book scam.
"...The so called judicial inquiry will be nothing but a farce, drama and a cover up operation... Congress reinforces its demand for the sacking of the Education Minister," he said in a statement.
Khaira alleged that the Punjab government has been trying to shield Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka.

"It is intriguing, shocking and beyond imagination that while the CM defends his blue-eyed minister, the government suspends three officers including DPI-E Pritpal Kaur. It was Maluka who bypassed all DGSE norms and appointed a three member committee under the DPI-E, who in turn indulged in embezzlement and fraud," Khaira alleged.
"By suspending three officials, the government has clearly admitted to serious lapses, then why the education minister is being shielded," he further alleged.

Khaira challenged the Punjab Chief Minister that if he has the moral courage, he should sack the education minister and order a CBI inquiry or ask the Chief Justice of High Court to appoint a sitting Judge to probe the matter.

On the proposed horse race course, Punjab Congress alleged that it only exposes the feudal mindset of Akali regime.
"While the government cannot pay salaries to its employees, cannot pay 'shagun' scheme to 80,000 poor 'Dalit' girls since 2009... Is it advisable to go in for horse racing?" Khaira asked.
He said Congress will also oppose the acquisition of 1,000 acres of agricultural land in Ludhiana for setting up race course, amusement park and five star hotel.