Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, May 25: The allegation of irregularities in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment has given rise to a tug-of-war between the BJP and the Congress in Karnataka. The fight stems from the direction issued by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to the health department to present before it the report of Drugs Logistics and Warehousing Society on the reported irregularities. The irregularities are said to have happened relating to the procurement of things connected with coronavirus control.
A person named C N Deepak belonging to Karnataka Rashtra Samiti had filed a complaint on the issue. Under instructions from the chairman of PAC, H K Patil, assembly acting secretary Vishalakshi, has asked the additional and principal secretary in the health department to furnish the report. But the PAC violated its jurisdiction in passing this order without bringing it to the notice of the speaker. In violation of the powers vested with the speaker, the government has argued that this effectively means that the committee has been trying its hands at encroaching upon the domain of the executive.
Representational Image
The interference by the PAC has given rise to worry in the government circles. Over 10 per cent of the members in the legislature are members of the PAC. It is also called a mini assembly because of its size and widespread powers. H K Patil heads the committee with members like Umesh Katti, Murugesh Nirani, K G Bopaiah, Ramesh Kumar, C M Ibrahim, Sharavana, Basavaraj Patil. PAC is hell-ent on investigating the alleged irregularity.
PAC has the right to summon secretaries and get their statements. If their statements are found to be false, the committee can censure them in the house or file criminal cases against them.
Reportedly, PAC has strong evidence about irregularities in acquiring personal protection equipment and other things. The dispute has arisen about fixing of Rs 2,000 as the price of PPE that costs Rs 600. Leaders of PAC have also planned to place before the media certain records after presenting them at the meeting being held next week, it is learnt.