Opposition demands Vasant Purke's scalp

Mumbai, July 19 (UNI) The Opposition today demanded the resignation of Maharashtra School Education Minister Vasant Purke, who came under the fire following the court strictures, for not following rules in sanctioning of new schools.

The Opposition members shouted slogans and demanded Mr Purke's resignation, resulting in the adjournment of Assembly proceedings for 20 minutes.

Making a statement in the Assembly after the adjournment, Mr Purke stated there had been no irregularities in the sanctioning.

''The court has said the permission for new schools were not given as per the presribed rules and regulations. People who went to court against me, were angry because their recommendations for sanctioning of schools were not accepted. Hence, they tried to defame me,'' the Minister added.

The Minister pointed out the master plan to fix criterion for granting permission to set up schools will be prepared in the next six months and clarified the government has already admitted that the preparation of master plan had been delayed.

He said as per the court order, the Government Resolution (GR) of May 16 sanctioning 1,495 schools would be set aside. The sanction was given after scrutinising recommendations from the state and district- level committees.

''The cases forwarded by these committees are always considered.

I had to reject recommendations from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister too because the proposals did not fit into the prescribed norms. Similarly, several Opposition leaders gave me their recommendation letters, which were not accepted,'' he claimed showing the concerned papers in the House.

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