BJP Accuses Himachal Congress of Misusing Central Funds for Private Firm's Wall
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Synopsis
BJP Vice President Rajeev Saizal claims the Himachal Congress government misused Rs 8.75 crore from the PM Gati Shakti scheme to build a boundary wall for a private firm in Baddi, raising questions about the allocation of central funds.
Key Takeaways
- BJP alleges misuse of PM Gati Shakti funds.
- Rs 8.75 crore allocated for boundary wall in Baddi.
- No industrial activity on land since allotment.
- Government criticized for double standards.
- Conditions for land use remain unmet.
Shimla, Feb 13 (NationPress) Rajeev Saizal, Vice President of the Himachal Pradesh BJP and former minister, has leveled allegations against the Congress government for utilizing Rs 8.75 crore from the centrally-funded PM Gati Shakti scheme to build a boundary wall for a private enterprise in the Baddi industrial sector.
"The government must explain the redirection of Central funds. The PM Gati Shakti scheme, which aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity, is being exploited to construct a two-kilometer boundary wall surrounding the Indo Farm Equipment Ltd property along the Ratta river in Baddi," Saizal remarked in a recent statement.
He noted that the Industries Department is overseeing the project through the Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC).
"A total of Rs 14 crore was approved for this initiative, with Rs 8.75 crore specifically allocated for the wall along the riverbank. The initial installment of Rs 3 crore has already been released," he added.
According to the BJP leader, the land was granted to the company in January 2022 under a customized package intended for establishing an auto park in Baddi, which was supposed to create 300 jobs.
"Almost three years later, the land reportedly sits idle, with no industrial operations underway," he expressed.
Saizal questioned if the funds under the PM Gati Shakti scheme are intended for public infrastructure development, arguing that utilizing them for the benefit of a single private entity constitutes misuse.
In contrast, the Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Development Authority received only Rs 2 lakh for wider development initiatives.
He further criticized the Congress government for its apparent double standards, stating, "While Congress accuses the BJP of corruption in the Assembly, it engages in dubious activities outside of it. This is a blatant instance of hypocrisy."
The allotment terms mandated that the company commence production within 24-30 months and invest Rs 150 crore out of the proposed Rs 500 crore during this period.
"These conditions have not been fulfilled, yet the government has not acted to reclaim the land," he pointed out.
As per the former minister, Rs 42 crore has been allocated under the PM Gati Shakti scheme, with Rs 35 crore designated for developing an IT park in Palampur and Rs 7 crore intended for infrastructure improvements in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh industrial area.
