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Siddaramaiah to decide on SIT to probe scams by BJP govt: Priyank Kharge
Priyank Kharge says chief minister Siddaramaiah will decide on SIT to probe scams during the BJP’s rule
Ahead of the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Rural Development and IT BT Minister Priyank Kharge said that chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar will decide whether to form an SIT to investigate the scams during the BJP’s rule.
“Discussions are underway on whether an SIT is needed. There was a discussion in the last cabinet,” he said.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the government will order comprehensive investigations into the major scandals that took place during the previous BJP administration’s four-year tenure.
Addressing media personnel in Hassan, Siddaramaiah said, allegations of a 40% commission on government contracts, irregularities surrounding the recruitment of police sub-inspectors (PSIs), the BitCoin scandal, malpractices in the construction of four medical colleges and irrigation projects, and irregularities in medical procurements during the Covid pandemic will be probed.
Siddaramaiah emphasised the need to reinvestigate the deaths of patients at Chamarajangar government hospital, which were allegedly caused by a shortage of oxygen. He pointed out that the former Health Minister, Dr Sudhakar, had downplayed the tragedy, claiming that only two individuals had lost their lives. The Chief Minister asserts that the actual number of casualties was higher than reported, and he intends to uncover the truth behind the incident.
Meanwhile, the state Cabinet on Wednesday entrusted chief minister Siddaramaiah with constituting three Cabinet sub-committees to deal with three areas, namely irrigation projects, withdrawal of criminal cases, and for giving thrust to investment in the state.
Briefing reporters here, law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil said that one of the sub-committees that the CM has been entrusted with constituting is for the implementation of various projects on river Krishna, Cauvery, Mahadayi and other rivers.
That sub-committee will also look into the implementation of various court and tribunal orders related to these river projects.
Another sub-committee would be formed to withdraw criminal cases, as various individuals and organisations have made such requests regarding cases related to various agitations, Patil said.
The minister said the chief minister will appoint members for it. He added that duration for the withdrawal of cases is not specified.
The third sub-committee will look into reviewing major investment project reports and see where special incentives and concessions can be given to mega industries to boost investments in the state, Patil said.
The Cabinet also decided to increase the tender amount for SC/ST contractors from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. In this regard, an amendment will be brought to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act in the upcoming legislature session, which will start from July 3, Patil added.
(With PTI inputs)
