More embarassment for Sheila in Assembly

New Delhi, Mar 9 (UNI) In further embarassment to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report that seeks a CBI probe into the issue of 'smart cards' by the transport department was tabled in Delhi Assembly today.

The smart card technology was introduced for driving license and vehicle registration applications in the capital in February 1999, but was soon mired in controversy following reports of impropriety in the tender process.

The PAC headed by Congress MLA S C Vats said ''with the sole objective of favouring a dubious entity'' the transport department had burdened the common man monetarily.

''On the pretext of introducing latest technology, unscrupulous elements in the department colluded with the monopolistic vendor to commit a huge fraud on the people of Delhi. Stringent and deterrent action needs to be taken against the officers responsible for this fraud,'' the Committee said, while recommending a CBI probe.

Earlier, the Assembly adopted a similar report on the power privatisation issue as well. The Chief Minister also faced acute embarassment when three official bills were withdrawn because of all-round opposition.

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