Is YouTuber Savukku Shankar Demanding a CBI Investigation into Sanitation Scheme Irregularities?
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Synopsis
YouTuber <b>'Savukku'</b> Shankar's fight for justice takes a serious turn as he demands a CBI probe into sanitation scheme irregularities. His claims raise questions about government accountability and the misuse of funds intended for vulnerable communities. Will the court respond to his plea for transparency?
Key Takeaways
- Public Interest Litigation: Shankar's PIL emphasizes the need for accountability.
- Allegations of Mismanagement: Claims against the DICCI raise concerns over fund usage.
- Political Involvement: Allegations link TNCC leadership to scheme mismanagement.
- Community Impact: The schemes are designed to support marginalized communities.
- Call for Investigation: Shankar urges for independent scrutiny of actions taken.
Chennai, May 13 (NationPress) YouTuber and activist 'Savukku' Shankar, also known as A. Shankar, has submitted a public interest litigation (PIL) to the Madras High Court, requesting a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the execution of entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at assisting manual scavengers in Tamil Nadu.
The PIL is set to be reviewed on Wednesday by a vacation bench comprising Justices G. R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan.
Shankar has urged the court to instruct the CBI to file a First Information Report (FIR) in response to his complaint lodged on March 27.
In his affidavit, the petitioner outlined that the Centre initiated the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) and the Tamil Nadu government introduced the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS) in 2023 to eradicate manual scavenging by promoting mechanized sanitation through subsidized loans.
According to AABCS guidelines, the scheme was supposed to be executed by the State's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department, overseen by the Industries Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce (ICDIC).
However, Shankar contended that this responsibility was unlawfully transferred to the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), a private organization, leading to the misuse of public finances.
He further alleged that K. Selvaperunthagai, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), significantly contributed to the mismanagement of the scheme, claiming that numerous beneficiaries were affiliated with the Congress party's SC/ST wing and did not qualify under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, rendering them ineligible for the program.
Shankar mentioned that he had previously filed a complaint with the CBI and called for the court to mandate an independent investigation into the alleged discrepancies under NAMASTE and AABCS.
He also claimed that his residence was vandalized following his exposure of these issues on his YouTube channel, with unidentified individuals disguised as sanitary workers dumping sewage mixed with human waste at his home while his elderly mother was present alone.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the importance of transparency and accountability in public welfare schemes. The allegations made by Shankar highlight critical issues regarding the management of funds aimed at supporting marginalized communities. An independent investigation could shed light on these claims and restore public trust in government initiatives.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main allegation made by Savukku Shankar?
Savukku Shankar alleges that there have been irregularities in the implementation of entrepreneurship schemes designed to support manual scavengers in Tamil Nadu.
What is the purpose of the public interest litigation (PIL)?
The PIL seeks a CBI investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds and mismanagement of the schemes.
Who is responsible for implementing the AABCS scheme?
The AABCS scheme was supposed to be implemented by the State's MSME Department, but Shankar claims it was illegally handed over to a private entity.
What are the NAMASTE and AABCS schemes?
NAMASTE aims to mechanize sanitation and eliminate manual scavenging, while AABCS provides support for entrepreneurs in this sector.
What incident occurred at Savukku Shankar's home?
After exposing the alleged irregularities, Shankar reported that his home was vandalized, with sewage dumped at his residence.
