The Congress has accused Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare minister, Pankaja Munde of flouting rules of business to award contracts in her department
Mumbai, Maharashtra:
The Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare minister, Pankaja Munde, has been asked to give a written explanation on the allegations of irregularities in purchases worth crores of rupees made by her department, by the state legislative council.
Earlier, Congress lawmaker, Sharad Ranipse had moved a breach of privilege motion against Ms Munde, accusing her of flouting rules of business.
Mr Ranipse said, "The Governor in his first address... had mentioned that e-tendering will be made mandatory for all purchases, which was approved by the state cabinet... By approving Rs 206 crore-worth items, Ms Munde has flouted the rules of business."
The opposition has accused the 36-year-old minister of awarding contracts for various items including the sweet snack, "chikki" for tribal area schools without her department calling for e-tenders.
BJP leaders have defended Ms Ms Munde. Senior minister, Eknath Khadse said, "Mere allegations do not mean that corruption has actually taken place. I know of a hundred cases like this."
Apart from Ms Munde, state education minister, Vinod Tawde, is also facing allegations of irregularities in a contract for purchasing 62,105 fire extinguishers worth Rs 191 crore for schools run by the local administration.
The opposition created a ruckus in protest, following which the Chairman, Ramraje Nimbalkar, asked Ms Munde to give a written explanation and adjourned the day's proceedings.
Earlier, Congress lawmaker, Sharad Ranipse had moved a breach of privilege motion against Ms Munde, accusing her of flouting rules of business.
Mr Ranipse said, "The Governor in his first address... had mentioned that e-tendering will be made mandatory for all purchases, which was approved by the state cabinet... By approving Rs 206 crore-worth items, Ms Munde has flouted the rules of business."
The opposition has accused the 36-year-old minister of awarding contracts for various items including the sweet snack, "chikki" for tribal area schools without her department calling for e-tenders.
BJP leaders have defended Ms Ms Munde. Senior minister, Eknath Khadse said, "Mere allegations do not mean that corruption has actually taken place. I know of a hundred cases like this."
Apart from Ms Munde, state education minister, Vinod Tawde, is also facing allegations of irregularities in a contract for purchasing 62,105 fire extinguishers worth Rs 191 crore for schools run by the local administration.
The opposition created a ruckus in protest, following which the Chairman, Ramraje Nimbalkar, asked Ms Munde to give a written explanation and adjourned the day's proceedings.
