Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 01:
Taking note of the news report published in the April 1 edition of this paper under the caption, 'Ex-CE of Power Dept, 27 EEs, Under Secy in Rs 17.2 crores graft soup,' Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing has today clarified that the report that the Chief Engineer was forced to append his signature on a proposal for allocation of CDA is totally false and unfounded.
The report filed in this paper was on the basis of the statement given by the Chief Engineer to the High Powered Committee.
In a statement, the Power Minister said "In fact when the file for sub-allocation of CDA was processed and put up to me by the Principal Secretary (Power), I found that the Chief Engineer had submitted for division wise sub-allocation of CDA without mentioning the two components of Normal Plan and SPA and asked him to submit his proposal indicating the amounts to be sub-allocated under normal Plan and SPA categorically".
Accordingly the Chief Engineer submitted a second proposal indicating the funds for the two components, claimed the Minister and added that there is no irregularity as published in this newspaper.
There was also no question of threatening the Chief Engineer, as reported, asserted Tonsing and added that this is evident in the relevant file.
On the inquiry of the High Powered Committee, the Power Minister said that the Committee many inquire into any allegations by any Government Departments including Power Department.
Hence it would be premature to publish such cases in the newspaper while the inquiry is underway and the recommendations of the Committee is yet to be submitted to the Government/Cabinet for taking necessary action, said Tonsing.
Recalling that the he had clarified his position on the matter on February 2, 2008 through the newspapers, the Power Minister said that the report is politically motivated to malign his image.
The Power Minister also reiterated that he had placed the facts of the case on the floor of the Assembly during the Budget session recently.