The leader of the Opposition in the Vidhan Sabha, Ajay Bhatt has lambasted the State Government, stating that now even departmental officials are acknowledging the corruption.
Bhatt was referring to the event of the roadways employees joint council in which office bearers of the council had stated that those found guilty of malpractice and corruption in the Transport department are avoiding disciplinary action on the recommendation of the CM.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the leader of opposition said, “The Chief Minister also has the Transport portfolio. It is shameful when all passengers in one bus were found to be travelling without tickets and the employees responsible for this are protected from any disciplinary action on the basis of the CM’s chit.
Further, even those employees who have red entry on their character roll are enjoying the benefit of assured career progression (ACP).
Considering such corruption, the CM who is also handling the Transport department should resign on moral grounds,” said Bhatt.
He further stated, “In the convention of Uttarakhand roadways employees joint council held recently in Dehradun, office bearers had categorically alleged that corrupt employees and officers who have used politics to build connections with the chief minister’s office are being protected by the CM’s chits. This is a very serious allegation and also unfortunate that the State Government has not taken cognisance of this so far. This also points towards the possibility of such corrupt officials having incriminating proofs due to which the Government has not spoken on this allegation yet. It has also been alleged that acting on the directions of the Government, the department officials are also facilitating pilferage of diesel. How can the State develop when the Government itself is orchestrating theft by officialsIJ Even in the past, it had been alleged that instead of using its own buses, the transport corporation was plying more buses on contract with buses owned by relatives of the ruling party leaders being utilised on contract. This also clearly shows that the Government itself is responsible for the deteriorated condition of the transport corporation,” said Bhatt.
The leader of opposition further alleged that corruption is rampant in the departments under the chief minister with blatant irregularities in the Public Works Department, excise department and mining apart from the corruption in transport department. Bhatt stated, “Even in the recently exposed case of alleged rape of an inmate of Nari Niketan, the government and Congress were both trying to keep it under wraps but the government was forced to order an inquiry into this following media, opposition and public pressure. Presently, only junior officers and employees have been marked in the inquiry whereas some influential persons are also definitely involved in the case. It is essential to also act against the seniors who facilitated such crimes in Nari Niketan.”