Govt cornered on exam bungling; Cong seeks CBI probe, walks out

Time of India

2 days ago

Raipur: The Opposition Congress staged a walkout in the
on the first day of the monsoon session on Monday, over alleged irregularities in the RI examination, demanding a CBI probe into the matter.
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Replying to the concerns raised during the Question Hour, revenue minister Tankram Verma admitted anomalies and informed that the case is with the EOW, assuring strict action against the guilty before the next session.
The din in the assembly concerned the alleged irregularities in the departmental examination for Revenue Inspectors (RI). BJP MLA Rajesh Munat raised the issue, claiming it occurred under the previous Congress govt, while the opposition countered that the exam took place under the current BJP administration in Jan 2024, with results declared in Feb.
Congress MLA and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel demanded the CBI probe. Revenue minister Tankram Verma acknowledged the irregularities and said a five-member committee confirmed it.
He informed that the case was handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for a detailed probe and promised action before the next Assembly session. Heated exchanges between ruling and opposition members over responsibility and delay in action led to a walkout by Opposition MLAs.
On the other hand, BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar questioned the decision to transfer the probe to the EOW, to which Verma replied that the department itself referred the matter. MLA Munat highlighted that the examination was conducted barely a week after the minister took charge of the department. He questioned why no action was taken despite the investigation by a team of five senior officers confirming irregularities.
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Verma responded that the inquiry committee concluded that the presented documents did not fall under the category of evidence and the EOW is currently investigating.
Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel inquired whether the examination took place before or after the current BJP govt came to power. Verma confirmed that the examination was held in Jan 2024 and the results were declared in Feb. This response led to a strong protest in the Assembly, with opposition MLAs accusing the BJP govt of irregularities.
Baghel alleged attempts to shield the culprits and asked if the matter would be investigated by the CBI. BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik retorted, asking if Baghel trusted the CBI. Following this, the Opposition staged a walkout from the Assembly.
Earlier, BJP MLA Munat had asked the minister about the status of the home department's inquiry, when action would be taken against the culprits, and the total number of candidates who appeared for the examination.
The minister informed the Assembly that even siblings were found seated together in the examination. The general administration department had written to the home department for an inquiry, which in turn responded that the concerned department was competent to handle the matter. The case has now been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) as part of the govt's stand on a 'zero' tolerance policy on corruption, and an investigation commenced.
Verma affirmed that no one would be spared, and action would be taken against those found guilty, similar to the ongoing inquiry into irregularities in the Bharatmala project. The revenue minister also said that the recruitment would provide necessary staff to the revenue department, streamlining its operations.
Tributes Offered To Former Governor & Ex-Cabinet Minister from CG
Earlier, the Assembly paid tribute to former Chhattisgarh governor Shekhar Dutt and Surendra Bahadur Singh, the former king of Sakti princely state and ex-cabinet minister, following their demise.