Committee to review EGS in state: Tatkare

Nagpur, Nov 26 (UNI) The Maharashtra government will shortly appoint a high-level committee to review the Rural Employment Scheme (EGS) throughout the state, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Sunil Tatkare told the state Legislative Council during question hour today.

Replying to supplementaries on a question from Pratapsinh Mohite-Patil (Congress) and others, Mr Tatkare admitted that there had been irregularities in the scheme. ''Though the scheme is now defunct, the committee will study irregularities under the scheme across the state,'' he said, reacting to the opposition members' allegations of corruption.

The members pointed out the irregularities in the scheme in Murbad in Thane district, where foodgrains meant for distribution through fair price shops were diverted to the open market.

Mr Tatkare said the Tehsildar and the block development officer concerned had been placed under suspension and a police case had been lodged against a shopkeeper, Dattatreya Shankar Shingole.

Licences of 18 shops had been suspended, he added.

UNI