Edu min orders probe into fraud in buying of carpets for Nagaur schools

Jaipur: Education minister Madan Dilawar Friday announced an investigation into alleged irregularities in the purchase of carpets for schools in the Degana Assembly constituency using the MLA-LAD funds during the previous Congress govt. Dilawar claimed that the then Cong MLA, Vijaypal Mirdha, was involved in the alleged irregularities, which led to the fraud in the procurement process. Mirdha is currently in the BJP. The then Block Education Officer (BEO) of Degana was suspended pending the probe.
The issue was raised during Question Hour by BJP MLA Ajay Singh, who alleged that carpets were distributed improperly to schools in the Degana area of Nagaur district when Mirdha was the Congress MLA from the constituency. Singh claimed that carpets were allotted without considering the actual needs of schools. "Schools with no students received one, and schools with 300 students also received one," he said. Dilawar said carpets worth around Rs 35 lakh were purchased for schools in Degana based on recommendations made by the then MLA. However, he alleged that instead of carpets, low-cost flooring material was procured in several cases. "The then MLA recommended the purchase from the MLA fund. But instead of carpets, low-cost flooring was purchased. There are no accounts available for 171 such floorings. No one knows where they went," Dilawar said. The minister alleged that the irregularities indicated a possible scam during Congress govt. "Govt money was looted during the Congress rule. Action will be taken against the guilty officials," he said. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Ramkesh Meena took a swipe at the minister, pointing out that Mirdha since joined the BJP. "The then Congress MLA Mirdha is now a BJP leader. You are saying he was involved in the scam. Will you expel him from the BJP? What action will you take?" Meena asked. Dilawar maintained that the investigation would determine accountability. "I will order an investigation. Whoever is found guilty will be prosecuted," he said.After the minister's statement, Richpal Mirdha, father of the former MLA clarified, "Since 1952, our family has contested 51 elections. However, no accusations of corruption have ever been made against us, nor have we ever engaged in any actions that would tarnish politics or our family's reputation. When Ajay Singh was a cooperative minister in the previous government, he faced corruption charges, which were also supported by the ACB. Today, he accused my brother, and Minister Dilawarji, without any investigation, stated in the House that the former MLA appears to be involved and that there is a hint of corruption. "tnnGet the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !