Retired Judge to probe state coop bank irregularities: Min

A probe by a retired judge would be instituted to expedite the ongoing investigations into the allegations of irregularities in the state cooperative bank, Maharashtra cooperation minister Subhash Deshmukh has said.
Replying to a debate during the Question Hour on the inquiry into the allegations of irregularities in the Lower House, Deshmukh admitted that the investigations into the allegations of irregularities to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore announced 30 months ago, have not been completed.
Upper Registrar Shivaji Pahinkar who is heading the probe has sought an extension from the government to complete the investigation, the minister said, adding that the probe committee has already been granted extension thrice earlier.

He said a retired judge will be appointed to expedite the probe.
There are 2,000 cases of irregularities and chargesheet has been filed in connection with 1,000 cases, the minister informed.
He said the the bank has seen increase in deposits by Rs 1,500 crore and NPA has also come down to 0.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, Power Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, while replying to debate on unavailability of water from the barrages constructed on Painganga river in Washim district for irrigation purpose, said 11 barrages have been constructed on the river spending Rs 716 crore but due to lack of electricity, the water cannot be used for irrigation purpose. About 8,000 farmers need to be given agriculture pumps. Need of the hour is to have infrastructure facilities to provide electricity for the agriculture pumps and it will cost Rs 95 crore.

There is dispute whether the amount should be spent by water conservation department or power department.
Chief secretary has opined the amount should be spent by the power department, the minister informed.
"Power department has decided to start a agriculture solar feeder scheme for Hingoli and Washim districts so that the water in the barrages can be lifted for agriculture pumps.
"We will create a separate budget head and we hope to get funds for the same," he added.