Govt admits corruption in flycatchers purchase

Bhopal, Nov 9 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Assembly was today informed that strict action would be taken against those officials responsible for the Satna Municipal Corporation purchasing flycatchers at Rs 470 each about a year back while their true worth was Rs 20 each.

Raising the matter through a call attention notice, former minister Rajendra Singh (Congress) alleged large-scale corruption in the purchase.

Admitting that corruption had taken place, Urban Administration Minister Jayant Malaiya said, ''two senior officials have been asked to submit an inquiry report within a week. The flycatchers were bought from Indore's Nicco Herbal Remedies. Maximum retail price, including taxes, is Rs 89.'' A total of 2,500 flycatchers were purchased for more than Rs 11.75 lakh. Only 25 were used and the rest dumped in a storeroom.

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