Chandigarh3 minutes ago
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150 crore scam has been exposed in the purchase of agricultural machinery in Punjab. Nothing is known of 11,275 machines purchased in the state in 3 years. A subsidy of 1178 crores had come from the Center for the purchase of these machines. State Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal has recommended a vigilance inquiry after the departmental inquiry found evidence of the scam. After this, former CM Captain Amarinder Singh, who was handling the Agriculture Ministry at that time, has also come under the scanner.
full scam story
In Punjab, 90,422 machines were distributed to farmers during 2018-19 to 2021-22. Subsidy had also come from the Center for the purchase of these machines for agricultural work. The scam in the purchase of machines started getting exposed as soon as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power. The Agriculture Minister got the physical audit of the machines done by the agriculture officers of the district. During this, the record of machines was not found in 3 districts. At the same time, in some districts, the complete record of whom the machines were given could not be found. 13% of machines were found missing. As soon as the scam was confirmed, the minister handed over the investigation to the Vigilance.
Will take action after recovering Rs 150 crore: Minister
At the time when this scam happened, the agriculture ministry was with the then CM Captain Amarinder Singh. Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal said that it was also the responsibility of the Captain to ensure that the machines are distributed properly. The Captain will also be under investigation in this matter. If needed, they will also be interrogated. The minister said that the government would recover Rs 150 crore and action would also be taken against those guilty in the investigation.
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