Opposition creates uproar, Speaker forms committee for inquiry

Ranchi, Mar 3 (UNI) Opposition members today created uproar in the state Assembly demanding inquiry into a matter of excise department forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for about 20 minutes.

The opposition members who demanded inquiry into the alleged irregularities causing loss of revenue to the State's excise department, came into the well forcing the Speaker to form a committee.

Earlier, raising the issue Saryu Rai (BJP) said the State government was facing loss as the department was yet to provide licence to liquor traders.

Replying to the question, minister Kamlesh Kumar Singh said tenders in about 12 districts had been invited in this regard.

The matter of Ranchi Dhanbad and few other districts was with the High Court, therefore, any decision would be taken after the court's direction, Mr Singh informed the House.

Refuting the charges of loss of revenue Mr Singh said so far the State had received about Rs 122 crore as revenue till January this year against the target of Rs 225 crore in the current fiscal.

Dissatisfied with the minister's reply, Leader of Opposition Arjun Munda demanded inquiry into the matter by a special committee.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Madhu Koda said the government was going to amend its existing excise policy in a month.

But the opposition members demanding inquiry into the matter sat on a dharna in the House.

Intervening into the matter the Speaker announced to form a special House committee to inquire into it.

UNI XC-AM ADG DS KN1806