Suryakumar Yadav controversy: Khushi Mukherjee slammed with Rs 100 crore defamation case; here's why
Noida School Holiday: Govt extends winter vacation as cold wave intensifies, schools to reopen on...
Who is Capt. Varun Anand? Nephew of AI 171 pilot Sumeet Sabharwal summoned in crash inquiry
From 2017 to 2026: Why Mumbai’s BMC Elections were held after a long gap; Key reasons explained
AHMEDABAD
The Congress leader claimed that construction of lakhs of bori bandhs, farm ponds and other structures had taken only on paper over the years
The Opposition on Tuesday alleged large scale irregularities and widespread corruption in construction of bori bandhs and farm ponds in the state.
Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani said that in clear violation of rules, Gujarat government had in 2009 directed collectors and DDOs to spend money under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) for construction of bori bandhs.
"As per MNREGA guidelines, the funds can be used only for building durable and lasting structures, but the funds were spent for constructing bori bandhs. There was widespread corruption, and the money was diverted," he alleged.
Dhanani also produced copy of an email written by K Kailashnathan, who was posted as principal secretary in CMO at the time, and a note writte by then chief secretary D Rajagopalan, which directed officials to use MGNREGA funds for building bori bandhs.
The Congress leader claimed that construction of lakhs of bori bandhs, farm ponds and other structures had taken only on paper over the years.
Dhanani also alleged that while the BJP was used to seeking votes in the name of cow, there were massive irregularities in supplying fodder.
"Because of the state government's wrong policies, thousands of villages in the state have no gauchar (grazing land) left. Land has been given away to industries at throwaway prices," he alleged.
The Congress leader further accused the government of shielding big names in the bitcoin scam. He said that from Rs 12 crore, the scam has gone up to Rs 2,000 crore, and alleged that black money diverted during demonetisation days was invested in bitcoins.