MP Minister Orders High-Level Probe Into Urban Department Purchase Scam
Minister Pratima Bagri orders a high-level inquiry after a viral video exposed alleged corruption in MP's Urban Development and Housing Department.
Madhya Pradesh Minister of State Pratima Bagri has ordered a high-level inquiry following shocking allegations of irregularities in purchases made by the Urban Development and Housing Department. The move comes after a video went viral featuring Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Sanjay Dubey, who raised serious concerns regarding the procurement practices within the department.
Viral Video Sparks Government Action
The controversy erupted when a recording of ACS Sanjay Dubey surfaced, highlighting potential loopholes and discrepancies in how the department acquires goods. Minister Bagri stated that the viral video brought the issue to the government's immediate attention, prompting the call for a thorough investigation.
Speaking on the matter, Minister Bagri emphasized that the department maintains a strict monitoring system for all construction work and procurement. She assured that anyone found complicit in these irregularities would face strict consequences.
“If any work is carried out within the department, whether it involves procurement or construction, it is monitored. If any irregularity is found during the monitoring, the department investigates the matter and takes action against those responsible,” Bagri stated.
Focus on GeM Portal and Price Discrepancies
One of the primary areas of investigation will be the use of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The Minister noted that while the portal is designed for transparency, the government will investigate how loopholes were exploited to allow irregularities to occur.
A key point of the inquiry will be the massive variation in product pricing. The government intends to scrutinize why certain items were purchased at costs significantly higher than their actual market value, promising to upgrade the system to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Opposition Slams Government, Cites 'Cancer' of Corruption
The allegations have provided ammunition to the opposition. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari launched a scathing attack on the state administration, describing corruption as a "cancer" that has permeated the roots of the state's governance.
Patwari highlighted a particularly staggering claim mentioned by the ACS, alleging that bulbs with a market value of approximately Rs 5 were being procured for as much as Rs 30,000. He termed this as the "height of corruption."
Patwari’s Call for Accountability
While thanking ACS Sanjay Dubey for his courage in exposing the issue, the Congress leader urged the official to take direct action, noting that as part of the department, the ACS holds the power to ensure accountability.
Patwari further alleged that ministers, employees, and high-ranking officials are frequently coming under scrutiny for corrupt practices, questioning the message this sends to the public about the state's administration.