Probe reveals 11 lakh ghost children, says Doley

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Feb 27: Demanding CBI enquiry into the Rs 2,250 crore scam in Social Welfare department relating to ‘ghost children’ in 390 fake Anganwadis in Assam, AGP MLA Ramendra rayan Kalita in the Assembly on Monday said the involvement of some political leaders in this scandal can’t be ruled out.

In his reply, State Social Welfare Minister ba Kumar Doley told the House: “Although 44 lakh children in Anganwadis have been shown on paper, the ongoing inquiry into the scam has revealed the presence of only 33 lakh children.” Doley further stated that the Social Welfare department under the erstwhile Congress government had procured different items needed for children in Anganwadis at prices higher than market prices prevailing at that time. “The government has directed Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is probing the scam, to file charge-sheet in the case soon,” said Doley, adding, “The scam actually came to light after our government took charge. But I can’t reveal details of the ongoing probe in the House at this juncture.”