PDS scam probe to be given to CBI: Khandu

TALIHA, Nov 14: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said that his government will soon hand over the public distribution system (PDS) scam to the CBI.
Addressing a public meeting here during his maiden visit to the constituency, Khandu said the chief secretary has been instructed to study the matter and prepare all paper works related to PDS misappropriation for recommending CBI to investigate the case, a report from the CMO said.
The chief minister said when Congress was in power, it never bothered to investigate the people behind such a scam.
“It is only after BJP came to power that the state government is serious about unearthing the people behind it,” he said.
Khandu said lack of proper policy has left state government unable to utilise its resources to generate revenue.
“The state was under Congress rule for a long time and in those day people suffered for lack of attention from the Centre. But now with able leadership in New Delhi, the state is witnessing no dearth of support,” he said and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the state soon and announce major projects for the state.
Speaking on the achievements of his government, the chief minister said the government had announced creation of Kamle district that was pending since Union Territory days. He said the foundation stone for the district would be laid in December.
He added that the state government was able to make the Lower Siang functional that had remained non-functional since creation many years ago.
Khandu said Taliha constituency neither receives benefits from BADP nor from Urban Development schemes. He promised to give special attention to the constituency and said that in the current financial year, the area would
 have adequate schemes of not less than Rs 50-crore.
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and BJP state President Tapir Gao accompanied the chief minister.
Rijiju in his speech assured that a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya for Upper Subansiri district would be established soon.
The union minister also announced to provide BSNL 3G internet connectivity for Taliha constituency and road communication up to Taksing by December next year.
Mein in his speech underlined the need for good road connectivity and appealed to the people to cooperate with the development efforts and not to cause hindrance to works by demanding huge compensation.
He said the area has huge scope in horticulture and once the road connectivity is improved, the region can reap huge benefits.
Earlier, Rijiju inaugurated the RCC girls’ hostel of the Government Higher Secondary School at Kodak on way to Taliha. On reaching Taliha, the chief minister inaugurated the RCC school building of the school.
Horticulture Parliamentary Secretary Punji Mara, Raga MLA Tamar Murtem, Dumporijo MLA Pakgna Bage, and former minister Nyato Rigia alsoattended the meeting, the report said.