Former principal secretary (family welfare department) in the Uttar Pradesh government, Pradeep Shukla has alleged that all decisions related to allocation of funds for the upgradation of district hospitals under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) programme in the state were taken at the highest level in the state government.
According to sources, Mr Shukla, who is in CBI custody, has claimed that he was not part of the decision-making body. “During questioning he claimed that all financial decisions, including allocation of funds under the scheme, were taken at the highest level,” sources said.
The CBI recently arrested Mr Shukla in connection with its probe related to the multi-crore NRHM scam in the state.
“During questioning Shukla also claimed that all important decisions, including awarding contracts to private companies under the NRHM, were either taken by the top politicians or senior bureaucrats of the state administration,” sources said.
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Shettar set to be elevated to Karnataka deputy CM
age CORRESPONDENT
BENGALURU, MAY 16
Rural development and panchayat raj minister Jagadish Shettar is set to be elevated to deputy chief minister and fill the vacuum in the wake of Lingayat strongman B. S. Yeddyurappa’s exit from the BJP’s centrestage. Sources said Mr Shettar, a prominent Lingayat leader would be elevated as part of the party’s strategy to retain his hold on voters from the numerically-significant community. “It is indeed a testing time for both Mr Yeddyruappa and the party. The party cannot afford to lose its base. It is a proven fact that the Lingyats have backed the party, and expect our leaders to protect their interests. Therefore, Mr Shettar may be the natural choice for the DCM’s post,” sources said.