Randhawa orders probe into ‘misuse’ of panchayat funds by Adampur MLA

Tribune News Service

Bhogpur (Jalandhar), November 23

Lashing out against Akali MLA Pawan Tinu, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa today ordered a probe into the alleged misuse of funds meant for panchayats during previous SAD-BJP government in the Adampur Assembly segment.

Directing the Jalandhar (Rural) SSP to submit a report in 10 days, Randhawa, who also holds Home portfolio, said none would be spared if found guilty in the probe. Randhawa also mentioned that officials of the police, Vigilance Bureau and Rural Development and Panchayat departments would carry out the probe.

“If anyone would be found indulging in malpractices during the SAD-BJP government, he could be brought to book as these funds were meant for development of the villages,” he said. Randhawa addressed a rally on the sidelines of the event to the start Bhogpur Sugar Mill at a cost of Rs 60 crore. He also laid the foundation stone of 15 MW of bio-CNG plant that would use paddy straw for energy generation.

While addressing a gathering here, after laying foundation stone of two projects in Bhogpur Sugar Mill and initiating the crushing season, the Deputy CM acceded to the demand put forth by Chairman of the Punjab Technical Education Board Mohinder Singh Kaypee.

Randhawa alleged that the SAD-BJP alliance badly compromised with the interests of cane growers of this region. He said the previous government not only halted the development of this cooperative sugar mill, but also made up its mind to handover operations of this venture in private hands. The incumbent Congress government had already enhanced its capacity to 3000 TPD besides making efforts to make these mills viable and profitable in the larger interest of cane growers, he added.

The Deputy CM also said that it was the Congress government that has given a record hike in the prices of sugarcane taking it to Rs 360/quintal. He also announced that the payment to farmers during the current season would be started immediately after the season started. He also mentioned that special focus was being laid on increasing the profit of these mills and the dividend would be distributed among cane growers.

Randhawa warned surveyors of strict action if anyone found exploiting cane growers in lieu of slips for selling their crop besides urging farmers to get such slips through the stipulated process. Kaypee and ex-Adampur MLA Kanwaljeet Singh Lalli also addressed the gathering. Young Congress leader Ashwin Bhalla was also present on the occasion.

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