NRHM case: CBI set to file fresh FIRs

Fresh trouble seems to be in store for BSP leaders in Uttar Pradesh as the CBI is preparing to register new FIRs in connection with its investigations into the alleged irregularities committed in the implementation of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) programme. The CBI, which recently examined BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati in connection with the scam, has already registered 104 FIRs in its NRHM probe. The multi-crore scam took place during the Mayawati regime in which Central funds for upgrading medical facilities in the state were allegedly siphoned off.

Sources said, “The CBI may register fresh cases to probe the alleged irregularities in the appointment of district project officers (DPOs) in the state. Investigations have revealed that the health and family welfare department appointed 100 DPOs in the state without following proper recruitment rules.”

It has also been found that DPOs were allegedly instrumental in alleged corruption in the implementation of the NRHM schemes, they added. The agency is probing the role of certain state-level politicians in this regard, sources said.

Only those persons were posted or recruited as DPOs, family welfare, who allegedly facilitated in award of the contract to the chosen suppliers and in lieu, the accused public servants obtained huge amount of illegal gratification, sources said.

“It was the troika of Babu Singh Kushwaha (a former BSP leader), Ram Prasad Jaiswal (former BSP MLA) and Pradeep Shukla (former secretary health department), who had allegedly played a crucial role in finalising contracts related to the NRHM programme in the state,” sources aid.