Probe ₹200-cr missing de-addiction tablets scam, SAD tells govt
CHANDIGARH : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday demanded a thorough probe into the alleged ₹200-crore “missing de-addiction tablets” scandal and dismissal of health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu.
Raising the issue during the zero hour, Akali MLA Bikram Singh Majithia said the Enforcement Directorate had started looking into the diversion of 5 crore tablets of buprenorphine, a scheduled drug used for de-addiction, but the state government was doing nothing despite the principal secretary, health, having recommend a thorough probe into the matter. “The CM should make a statement in the House and sack the health minister,” he said, alleging a cover-up bid.
Sidhu hit back with the “chitta vyapari” charge amid sloganshouting by the Akali MLAS who entered the well of the House. He said neither the government nor he had any role in the matter. SAD members kept insisting on inquiry even as the speaker said they cannot press for a reply during zero hour. Then, they staged a symbolic walkout from the House. Majithia later said the diversion of such a huge number of buprenorphine tablets was a setback for the de-addiction campaign in the state.
CHANDIGARH:AKALI Dal MLA Gurpartap Singh Wadala on Wednesday asked the government to revisit its drug abuse prevention officer (DAPO) and ‘Buddy’ programmes started two years ago to check drug menace.
Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha during the debate on governor’s address, Wadala said the programmes were not bringing desired results. Reacting to the suggestion, health and family planning minister Balbir Singh Sidhu told the House that 3-lakh drug addicts have been brought into the mainstream with the help of these two programmes.
Wadala also urged the government to cut down area under paddy by 10-20% to save groundwater and diversify crops. He also asked government to be a part of Centre’s Atal Bhujal Yojana under which the state will get ₹6,000 crore for developing water courses. Leader of opposition Harpal Cheema sought government’s attention to illegal possession of government land.