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| In 2002 CVC recommended probe into corrupt practices of Farooq regime | | 'Rampant corruption root cause of militancy in JK' | | Akshay Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 28: During his tenure as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in 2001, Farooq Abdullah, along with his coterie allegedly looted state exchequer to the tune of several hundred crore of rupees, by giving favourable contracts including allotment of Baglihar hydroelectric project without inviting tenders, making illegal appointments and distributing seats in medical colleges among his blue eyed boys.
The startling revelations were made by the then Central Vigilance Commissioner N Vittal who submitted his report to the then Accountant General (Audit) J&K Srinagar, who in turn had forwarded the same report to Deputy Accountant General (Adm) Audit, Dy Accountant General (Adm) A&E, Deputy Accountant General (I-C) according to letter number AG Sectt/S/2001-02/129-131, for examining the letter and had sought necessary action.
The first paragraph of the report forwarded by N Vittal reads, "There is no rule of law in Jammu and Kashmir which is ruled by Chief Minister (Farooq Abdullah) with the aid of coterie which has been formed by Chief Secretary (Ashok Jaitely) and Principal Private Secretary BR Singh.
"Illegal gratification running into hundreds of Crore of rupees has gone in the pockets of above mentioned dignitaries in the allotment of Baglihar Hydro-electric project on river Chenab. The contract was given without inviting tenders to M/s Jai Prakash Associates. Contract was given by diverting funds from plan and non-plan expenditure and they were made first charge", the report reads.
The report further says National park opposite "Centaur Hotel Srinagar" has illegally been converted into Golf Ground, which is a violation of Central Act. Crore of rupees have been spent over this Golf play ground. Service of foreign experts to make the ground were hired and they were paid salary running into lakhs of rupees per month. Free accommodation in Chashma Shahi huts and transport facility was provided to them.
The report further made another startling revelation. "There was a Public Interest Litigation filed in Jammu wing of JK High Court. When arguments were to be heard the then Chief Minister succeeded in getting the Head-Quarter of Trial Judge changed and the then Chief Justice shelved the case in his division bench. No decision is being given on the merits of the case".
Crores of rupees have been spent under the computerization of Government department's scheme. All norms for making purchases have been violated. The then Principal Private Secretary through his relatives has caused loss to the exchequer and the pecuniary benefits divided up to the top, the report further mentioned.
The report further reads, "Crores of rupees have been spent on renovation of offices of these dignitaries including their residential complexes. In one year Chief Secretary Ashok Jaitely got Rs 50 lakhs spent on his residence renovations. Similarly, BR Singh and Advocate General (Aslam Goni) succeeded in getting their houses renovated from government funds," the report states.
"Chief Minister has purchased a helicopter and state plane in violation of all fiscal norms and is misusing them for leading a luxurious and licentious life. He is supposed to use them for official purposes only. No log book has been maintained," it further says.
The report of CVC states: "Chief Minister has constructed a palatial house in Bhatindi which is in the vicinity of Jammu city. The land on which building stands is government land. Accounts may be sought from where the funds have been received. Roads have been constructed without any approval. Electricity poles in sufficient numbers have been installed. Daily water tankers are moving to supply him the water at the cost of common man who remains thirsty. Special water pipes have been laid for him. Is he the owner of the state and all public money which he is using is misusing is owned by him in proprietary rights?".
CVC goes on to say that the then CM has turned Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar as a den to mint money and advance his political interests. The holding of Post graduation examination is only a colourable exercise because answer sheets are tampered after the examination to give admissions to the favourites.
"In the post graduation examination held for the year 2000-2001 the admissions have been given to the wards of his Ministers and political stooges", the CVC report notes.
The six pages report further reads, "The other example of providing admission to 68 students of Prime Medical College Srinagar in Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar. Crores of rupees were collected as donation fees from these students in given them admissions in the unrecognized Prime Medical College. In order to digest this illgotten money their admission in recognized colleges of Srinagar and Jammu respectively were managed".
In the concluding paragraph, N Vittal says, "In the back ground of these facts (which is only tip of an iceberg), inquiry may be started through independent agency or a judicial commission may be appointed so that the root cause of prevailing militancy which has spread because of rampant corruption is stopped. The ill gotten money is being siphoned off to foreign countries by Hawala sources. Properties in foreign countries by these unscrupulous persons are being acquired. The benign provisions of J&K Prevention of Corruption Act may be enforced so that the confidence of the public is restored and militancy is controlled". |
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