Ajsu-P demands CBI inquiry into ‘DMFT scam’ in Bokaro

Ranchi: Former Ajsu-P MLA Lambodar Pathak on Thursday claimed that there were huge financial irregularities and embezzlement of funds during the implementation of the district mineral foundation trust (DMFT) schemes in Bokaro district and demanded a CBI inquiry into it.

JMM responded to the charges, saying BJP MP and MLAs were members of the DMFT funds, and they should have raised the matter much earlier had there been any violation of rules.Addressing the media at the party office, Mahto alleged that a scam amounting to Rs 631 crore had taken place as funds for the DMFT schemes were allocated on a nomination basis and materials were purchased at much higher prices than the normal.“The scam took place during the tenure of previous Bokaro deputy commissioner Vijaya Yadav as the administration approved the DMFT schemes without endorsement of the governing body formed in this regard when she was the DC,” he claimed.Mahto further said the district administration was expected to follow the tender process in allotment of the schemes, but it went out of its way to nominate the agencies. “Only the cabinet has the power to relax the tender rules and nominate an agency,” he underlined, adding that the funds were also diverted to other areas apart from the panchayats where they were earmarked for.Giving an example, he said payment for setting up 260 tablet laboratories was three times more than the normal price.

“The cost of setting up 187 high-mast lights was Rs 9.35 crore, but a payment of Rs 18.75 crore was made,” the former MLA said.He further alleged that 17 contracts were awarded to six agencies and a sum of Rs 60 crore was paid to them for training, placement and coaching, even as central and the state govt are running skill development missions.Reacting to the claims, ruling JMM’s central general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said, “The BJP MP and the MLAs were members of the governing body. If the administration was violating rules, they should have raised the issue much before.”