Conrad rules out probe into alleged Saubhagya scam

SHILLONG: Echoing similar views of the Power Minister, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has downplayed the need for an inquiry into the alleged Saubhagya scam in the state
Talking to media persons here on Friday, the chief minister said the allegations will keep on coming but the government cannot order for an inquiry on the basis of a mere allegation.He made it clear that the government cannot institute an inquiry on the basis of mere allegations and the Opposition must give more evidence  about the allegations. ‘‘Let there be some evidence and if we find something needs to be inquired, we will inquire into the matter,” the chief minister said.
The Opposition had alleged corruption in the implementation of the centrally-funded electrification project executed by the NPP-led MDA government while terming the Saubhagya scheme as a model item for political bosses and officials to loot the state. Earlier, power minister James Sangma had denied the allegations while asking the Congress leaders to substantiate such allegations.
The Opposition leader Mukul Sangma had alleged that the award of contract was more than 50 per cent of the total estimated project cost while there were many projects under other programmes that were in the process of implementation with the same rate.