Provide timely replies to MLAs: Speaker

Bhopal, Mar 13 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Ishwardas Rohani today issued directions to ensure that legislators are provided timely replies for their letters by various departments.

During the Question Hour, the Speaker gave the direction when Mr Darbu Singh (Gondwana Ganatantra Party) alleged that he had not received reply for his letter.

He said concerned departments must provide replies to the letters of MLAs. The General Administration Department had been issued directions to ensure this.

Mr Ram Niwas Rawat (Cong) alleged that financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 50 crore took place in the Employment Guarantee Scheme in Sheopur. He demanded an inquiry by a House committee in this regard.

Refuting the allegations, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rustam Singh said specific complaints will be probed by a senior officer.

Replying to a question by Mr Dhyanendra Singh (BJP), Commerce Minister Babulal Gaur said the Madhya Pradesh State Industrial Corporation had provided loans to 54 industrial houses under the ICD scheme.

Loans from 34 industrial houses had been recovered, while action was being taken with regards to others.

In a written reply to the question, Mr Gaur said of the total Rs 663.37 crore loan amount, Rs 324.44 crore had been recovered.

Recovery of Rs 338.93 crore was pending.

The Economic Offences Wing of Madhya Pradesh Police had registered a case and was taking action in this regard.

Forest Minister Himmat Kothari assured that a probe will be ordered into the irregularities in construction of observation towers in the Bandhavgarh National Park and parks.

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rustam Singh said inquiry will also be conducted into the alleged irregularities in fencing wire and erecting poles in Betul district and construction-related work in Jatara area of Tikamgarh district.

He said the Jatara Chief Executive Officer was recently suspended but the action was in connection with some other matter.

UNI