The CBI probe into the multi-crore National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam in Uttar Pradesh (UP) has revealed that former UP family welfare minister Babu Singh Kushwaha allegedly played “crucial role” in finalising contracts under the Centrally-sponsored programme.
Probe by the agency has also revealed that the contracts were awarded by the department, headed by Mr Kushwaha, with “malafide” intention to extend financial gains to the firms chosen “subjectively” by the department. Recent questioning of some officials of the department has revealed that contracts were awarded “subjectively” not objectively, sources added.
The agency recently registered five cases against state government officials and private contractors, including one against Mr Kushwaha alleging loss of about `28 crore in implementing the centrally-sponsored scheme meant for 72 districts of UP. The agency has named Mr Kushwaha as an accused in its first FIR.
Sources further said, “Probe by the agency has revealed that the department awarded contracts to certain private companies on the basis of forged/bogus documents also. Kushwaha allegedly played crucial role in finalising certain contracts. He will soon be called for questioning in this regard. The agency is expected to make significant arrests in the case in a day or two.”
The agency is planning to question Mr Kushwaha in the presence of recently arrested top officials of the state government, sources added.
The agency has arrested three more persons, including two top bureaucrats and a trader, in connection with the NRHM scam. While former UP Small Industries Corporation managing director Abhay Kumar Vajpayee was arrested Thursday night, former director-general, family welfare, S.P. Ram, and Moradabad-based businessman Saurabh Jain were arrested Friday morning. The arrests by the CBI were made during their questioning. All three had been called for questioning at the agency headquarters. Dr S.P. Ram has been arrested after he was found guilty of committing irregularities in awarding tenders to medicine suppliers and building contractors. Abhay Kumar Vajpayee was held for alleged irregularities in sanctioning the procurement of medical supplies.