Chhattisgarh Speaker orders probe against NGOs in Govt scheme

Raipur, Feb 24 (PTI) The Chhattisgarh Speaker hasordered a probe by a House committee into allegations that"ineligible" NGOs were allowed to work under the Government''sIntegrated Watershed Management Programme in violation ofrules.

Mohammed Akbar (Congress) yesterday alleged that underthe prgoramme, funds were allotted to NGOs in clear violationof rules.

Citing an example, he said Shriram Pratisthan Mandal,a voluntary organisation based in Solapur, Maharashtra, isbeing allotted projects worth Rs 7.18 crore under thewatershed management programme in Kabirdham district.

This was done despite the fact that the organisationhad no experience in the watershed management field, he said.

Devjibhai Patel of ruling BJP also raised questionsabout implementation of the programme and awarding work toNGOs without checking their credentials.

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister RamvicharNetam said 71 projects have been approved under the schemeentailing a cost of Rs 341.28 crore.

Seventeen NGOs have been selected to execute theprogramme, Netam said, adding they were chosen as per theguidelines set by the Centre.

However, Congress members, led by Leader of OppositionRavindra Choubey, alleged irregularities in award of contractsunder the scheme and demanded a probe.

Netam rejected the charge of corruption in the scheme.

However, Speaker Dharamlal Kaushik announced that the House''sQuestions and Reference Committee will look into the issue.