THE CONTROVERSY over the alleged bungling of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust funds refuses to die down. On Wednesday, Chief Information Commissioner Justice MA Khan entrusted newly appointed State Information Commissioner Gyanendra Sharma with the task to conduct a probe into the alleged anomalies in the trust’s money.
Sharma has been asked to submit his report within a month to the Commission. All matters, including use of chemical to paint the temple walls and payment for civil work carried out sans tenders would be within the purview of the probe. On Wednesday, the Information Commission summoned principal secretary religious endowment PL Loi and Varanasi Commissioner on a complaint filed by former minister Shatrudh Prakash.
While the Varanasi Commissioner was absent, the chief executive officer of the temple trust appeared on his behalf. But he was not allowed to speak. Shatrudh averred that even the ASI had objected to the use of chemical paints on the temple walls. He also alleged embezzlement in the work related to laying of stones on the temple floor and questioned the payment of Rs 50 lakh by the Rajkiye Nirman Nigam without floating a tender for civil works. Principal secretary, Loi suggested a technical probe .
After hearing both the parties, the CIC constituted a one-member panel to probe into the matter. The next hearing in the case would be held on September 7, 2006.
{{/usCountry}}After hearing both the parties, the CIC constituted a one-member panel to probe into the matter. The next hearing in the case would be held on September 7, 2006.
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