||Black and White Digital News ||

||August ||24,2024 ||

JAMMU: In a press conference today, Advocate Appu Singh, State Spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and member of the State Media Coordination Committee, launched a scathing critique of the Government of India’s Saubhagya Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling it a “Durbhagya Scheme.” Singh claimed that the much-touted universal electrification initiative, which aimed to provide electricity to all un-electrified households in the region, has instead been marred by corruption and gross mismanagement.

Background of the Saubhagya Scheme:

Launched in 2017, the Saubhagya Scheme was designed to achieve universal household electrification by offering last-mile connectivity to rural and urban households across the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. With a budget of ₹1,750 crores, the scheme targeted 1,88,578 un-electrified households in 22 districts. However, Singh pointed out discrepancies in the financials of the scheme, noting that while the scheme was based on ₹1,750 crores, the Saubhagya Portal listed the cost as ₹1,080.25 crores, raising concerns about potential misappropriation of funds.

Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement:

Singh brought to light several issues that plagued the scheme .Criminal Conspiracy and Fabrication of Evidence.

Singh alleged that the JKPDCL, in collusion with M/S RODIC Consultant Private Limited and the government, engaged in a criminal conspiracy. They reportedly fabricated false evidence, such as utility certificates, incorrect billing, and failed to properly monitor the project. This, according to Singh, led to the wastage of public funds and the procurement of excess materials that remain unutilized.

Failure to Adhere to SOPs:

The spokesperson highlighted that the scheme’s implementation violated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and government circulars. The Saubhagya Scheme logo was also absent from the materials procured, indicating further mismanagement.

Questionable Credibility of Awards:

Singh questioned the credibility of the first prize awarded to JKPDCL under the special category for achieving 100% household electrification, asserting that this claim was far from reality.

Judicial Intervention:

Singh’s press conference centered around the recent developments in the ongoing investigation into the scheme. She pointed to the order dated August 13, 2024, issued by Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Mr. Tahir Khurshid Raina, who rejected the closure report submitted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu. The closure report had exonerated the officials involved, merely recommending “Departmental Action” for minor violations.

Judge Raina, however, lambasted the ACB’s investigation as “lame” and refused to treat the court as a “dumping ground” for what he deemed sham investigations. He directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Director of ACB, ordered fortnightly status reports, and demanded further investigation within two months. The case is set to be reviewed again on October 14, 2024.

AAP’s Stand:

Advocate Appu Singh concluded the press conference by reaffirming AAP’s faith in the judiciary and urging the ACB to uphold its duty as a sentinel of justice. She stressed the importance of exposing the alleged corruption and ensuring accountability in the execution of the Saubhagya Scheme, which was intended to bring light to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but has instead cast a shadow of “Durbhagya” over the region.

This press conference marks a significant moment as Jammu and Kashmir heads towards its first assembly elections in a decade, with AAP positioning itself as a vocal critic of the current administration’s handling of vital public welfare schemes.