The Hardoi district administration has swung into action after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Shyam Prakash wrote a letter to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) highlighting corruption in the purchase of medical equipment to help fight coronavirus pandemic. The administration has suspended the chief pharmacist after wrongdoings were found in the fund utilisation. The fund was allocated for the bandages for Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres.
“The amount is handled by the CMO, and the chief pharmacist. Irregularities were found in the use of those funds and I have taken action by suspending the chief pharmacist and have written to the state government regarding disciplinary action. I spoke to the MLA and informed him about the action. The MLA has written another letter expressing satisfaction over the action taken by us,” District Magistrate Pulkit Khare was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
District Magistrate Pulkit Khare said that he has directed the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to share all details about the utilisation of funds with each MLA.
In the case of the BJP MLA, Rs 14 lakh has already been used and other things have been ordered for the remaining amount. Shyam Prakash had given Rs 25 lakh from his Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund.
Earlier, Prakash had alleged that the fund given by him was not being properly used and demanded the amount back. He had said that despite asking several times, the administration has not provided him details of expenditure.
Emphasising that he wants to use the money for the welfare of the people, Prakash said that he had given Rs 24.99 lakh around 4 weeks ago.
