Jairam seeks CBI probe in MGNREGS

Asks UP CM to recommend investigation

Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh has sought a CBI probe into the alleged large scale irregularities in the implementation of the centre’s flagship scheme of MGNREGS in Uttar Pradesh.

Ramesh, who met the UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday, urged the latter to recommend a CBI probe in to the massive irregularities reported in the implementation of the rural employement gurantee scheme in the districts of Sonebhadra, Balrampur and Gonda in the state.

Letter to ex-CM

The minister said he had also written to the former UP chief minister Mayawati about the need for a CBI probe but no action was taken by her.

“For the past two years, the officials of the state did not bother to meet me and discuss the problems of the state. Akhilesh Yadav has assured me that he will look into the matter and take a decision very soon”, Ramesh said.

Ramesh said he failed in his repeated attempts to meet UP ministers and officials during the previous regime though he had no difficulty in meeting officials and ministers in other states.

The minister said Akhilesh Yadav was also very keen to work on improving the environment and the Centre would cooperate with the state government in providing all possible help. They discussed the Ganga pollution and how it could be checked. “We will be meeting regularly”, he added.

“We may be political adversaries but I have assured the UP chief minister that there will be no roadblocks and he will get all support from the Centre,” said Ramesh.

Eco-friendly

He praised the chief minister for being “very environment friendly” and hoped that in the coming months, the UP government will take major steps to improve the environment and contribute to control pollution of river Ganga.

“I am sure that the state will become conscious of its responsibilities towards nature under his leadership,” said Ramesh.