Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 13: Taking serious note of the accusations made by some JAKFED employees regarding an issue under observation of the Upper House related to a misappropriation of public money worth hundreds of crores, Chairman of the House initiated action against the Federation employees after accepting privileged motion moved by Congress member, Naresh Kumar Gupta and directed the Chief Secretary to hold an inquiry and also take action under Civil Service Rules against these employees for going to the press as the matter was sub-judice in the Legislature.
As the Upper House of the State Legislature commenced its business in the morning, Mr Gupta waving newspapers drew the attention of the House regarding accusations made by the employees of the JAKFED in the press conference, whose report appeared in many newspapers. He said since the issue was under observation of the House and Chairman taking serious note of the pilferage and misappropriation of huge public money involved, also allowed half an hour discussion on it, these employees have gone on breach of privilege. They have conducted contempt of this House and privileged motion be moved against them.
Mr Gupta further demanded that Chief Secretary be directed to conduct an inquiry as on whose permission they have gone to the press and who instigated them for the same. He alleged that some influential officers were trying to exert pressure so that they could cover their misdeeds and save their skin. Several other members including Jugal Kishore supported and said that issue was very serious and action be taken in this regard.
The Chairman remarked that he will take note of it and pass appropriate orders in this regard after Question Hour is over. When the issue was again raised by the member after Q-Hour was over and passage of a bill, the ‘Chair’ then directed the Chief Secretary to hold an inquiry in this regard and take action against the erring officials of the JAKFED and inform the House. Accepting privilege motion, the ‘Chair’ referred the case to the Privilege Committee of the Upper house headed by former minister and NC legislator Ajat Shatru Singh for examining the issue and recommending appropriate action in this regard.
It pertinent to mention here that a question regarding misappropriation/ embezzlement of public money worth Rs 1000 crores was raised during Question Hour in the Upper House on Monday by Congress member. Several members of the House taking serious note of the non recovery of the public money pleaded the Chairman to allow discussion in the House. The ‘Chair’ admitted the motion and allowed the discussion in next couple of days. On Tuesday, some employees of the JAKFED including union members went to the Press, raised objections, issued clarifications and also passed ‘remarks’ on the subject.
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