CBI starts probe in UP health mission scam

The CBI has registered five preliminary enquiries (PE) relating to irregularities in use of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) funds in Uttar Pradesh.

The agency launched these PE on the direction of the Allahabad high court’s Lucknow bench to probe use of NRHM funds in the state since the scheme’s inception in 2005-06.

The court asked the agency to complete the probe within four months.

A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted comprising 26 investigating officers under the overall supervision of additional director, joint director and two DIGs.

The SIT will be assisted by experts from the fields of banking, accountancy, engineering works and computer forensics and officers dealing with NRHM.

The Union ministry of health and family welfare has allocated about Rs10,000 crore to  NRHM in the state since 2005-06. The funds have been spent through 72 CMOs and other nodal offices in the state under various schemes approved by the Centre. A number of these works have been executed through several State PSUs and contractors/firms.