Pune News : Lokayukta slams Vadgaon Sheri MLA for using public money on private works within residential societies
Pune News : Lokayukta slams Vadgaon Sheri MLA for using public money on private works within residential societies
The Lokayukta has given Sunil Tingre, MLA of Vadgaon Sheri, a huge blow for using MLA funds for internal works in a private housing societies instead of public works.
Lokayukta has given an order to the Divisional Commissioner and District Collector that Tingre has done works worth Rs 2 crore 33 lakh in about 20 societies, but the money for these works should not be given to the contractor. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been ordered to be constituted to probe the matter and submit a report within the next 12 weeks.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Qaneez Sukhrani, Pune Citizen Activist & the complainant, said “I feel very happy with the verdict the Lokayukta has given. Whatever was expected has been fulfilled. The Lokayukta stated that the payments will not go from public funds but it will have to go from private societies. I hope this is an indication for people to not depend only or blindly follow what politicians say but also know things by themselves, doing some research & being vigilant.”
As per further information shared by Sukhrani, she had complained to the District Collector that MLA Sunil Tingre had used the Local Area Development Fund for doing works of private societies such as laying internal roads, sewage channels and other works. Sukhrani also sought information from District Planning Committee, PMC etc in Right to Information. There is a rule that the land should be in the possession of the government while using MLA funds. It is also necessary for the government to take over the place while implementing the tender process, but Tingre ignored these important rules & crores of rupees were spent. Therefore, Sukhrani requested the Collector and Divisional Commissioner to take action against the concerned officials and recover this cost.
A complaint was lodged with the Lokayukta and the hearing was held accordingly. Lokayukta gave the order as the funds cannot be spent in this way as per the rules.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Sunil Tingre, MLA, Vadgoan Sheri, said “The order given by the Lokayukta will be followed by me.”
