Rs 556 crore recovered from IDFC, deposited in a/cs: CM to House

Chandigarh: Haryana govt has recovered Rs 556 crore, including Rs 22 crore in interest, owed to it by IDFC First Bank, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini informed the state assembly on Tuesday.The statement comes a day after a case was registered in connection with a Rs 590-crore bank fraud involving 18 Haryana govt departments. Saini, who also heads the finance dept, said the funds have been restored to the respective departmental accounts, sharing that the swift recovery was made possible through coordinated efforts between the state govt and senior bank officials. The CM informed the House that the bank indicated the irregularities were linked to its Chandigarh branch and involved alleged collusion at middle and lower levels. "Every penny of public money is accounted for," he said, adding that governance has undergone a complete transformation and that a zero tolerance policy for corruption is now firmly in place. Saini said the funds represent the hard-earned money of Haryana's 2.8 crore citizens and would be utilised strictly for their welfare. Every single rupee belonging to the people will be safeguarded and spent only for their benefit, he asserted. The fraud first came to light on Friday. On Monday, the Haryana govt registered a criminal case at the ACB police station in Panchkula's Sector 17 against unidentified bank officials, govt employees, and private individuals. The CM said a high-level committee, headed by the finance secretary, has been constituted to examine the matter. The committee will determine responsibility and recommend further action as required. After being on the defensive for two days, Saini targeted the opposition—specifically Congress—stating that "the era of suppressing corruption files is over". He added that the current administration operates on the principles of complete transparency and financial discipline. Investigation Widens The Haryana vigilance and anti-corruption bureau has sought details of the dealing hands in banks as well as govt boards and departments involved in the transactions. Officials have also been asked to share the rulebooks governing financial deposits and the opening of bank accounts and justify why accounts were opened in these particular banks. MSID:: 128752146 413 |