Dalit IAS officer who exposed scam in Jal Jeevan Mission in J-K being harassed: Congress
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Monday alleged that a Dalit IAS officer who exposed the "multi-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam" in Jammu and Kashmir was being targeted and asked why the National Commission for Scheduled Castes was not acting on his complaint.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged at a press conference that instead of finding the real guilty behind the alleged Rs 13,000-crore scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission, IAS officer Ashok Parmar who brought the scam to light was being harassed.
"Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government answer why a Dalit IAS officer was harassed and targeted, even though he exposed a 'scam' of Rs 13,000 crore? Why were other officers who embezzled funds, scammed the exchequer and looted our people promoted," he asked.
He claimed that despite complaints to the Home Ministry and despite demand for a CBI investigation, why has the Jammu and Kashmir administration or the Narendra Modi government not ordered a detailed investigation into multiple irregularities and corrupt practices in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
"Why has the National Commission of Scheduled Castes not given a show cause notice to the office of the Lieutenant Governor despite serious allegations of harassment, intimidation and maltreatment made by a Dalit IAS officer? Wouldn't they be charged under the SC-ST (Prevention of) Atrocities Act after due investigation," the Congress leader asked.
Khera alleged that the Modi government which sends the CBI, ED, Income Tax, Vigilance officers knocking on the doors of opposition leaders at the drop of a hat did not bother to even form an internal investigation into the extremely serious allegations and documents provided by IAS officer Parmar.
"The people of India now know everything. They will give a befitting reply to the BJP in 2024. Judega Bharat, Jeetega INDIA," he said, referring to the opposition alliance's tagline.
IAS officer Parmar has approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes alleging harassment by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
