Shanta Kumar run Trust figures in HP assembly

Shimla, Aug 28 (UNI) The discussion on functioning of Vivekanand Medical research and Education Trust headed by former Union Minister Shanta Kumar turned into a general debate on corruption in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly today with members of the Congress and BJP leveling allegations against each other.

The Congress members questioned the functioning of the Trust and demanded enquiry into the use of land leased by the government, the money collected and the progress of work. The BJP members accused the ruling party of maligning the Trust which was involved in public service.

Initiating the discussion under rule 130, Congress member G S Bali said that the Government must ensure that the terms of land lease for the super-specialty hospital being set up by the Trust near Palampur were adhered to. He said that audited statements of income and expenditure for last ten years be made public and crores of rupees collected by the Trust be accounted for.

The BJP members said that Mr Shanta Kumar was doing public service but the Congress was trying to promote bar-girl culture.

This remark was in reference to the birthday bash of Mr Bali last month. Mr Bali had to resign following public criticism of the birthday party.

Mr K D Dharmani and other BJP members said that the entire functioning of the Trust was transparent and Health Secretary to the government was member of the trust and had access to all documents of the Trust.

The Chief Minister could not reply to the discussion as the House was not extended and adjourned for the day.

UNI