In a sort of victory for Indiancooperative.com, Bihar government ordered vigilance probe into working of Biscomaun on Thursday. The probe committee will submit report within three months thus unveiling the truth behind the charges.
Readers may be aware that Indiancooperative.com has exposed the scam and called for CBI Inquiry in the matter about two months back. The case pertains to one Sidarth cooperative which received Rs one crore from Biscomaun to purchase grains for Food Corporation of India. FCI had given Rs 3 crore to Biscomaun to procure grains.
Sidarth Cooperative is said to have bought grains from the open market in Rohtas, Camoor, Buxer and Bhojpur and sent the same to FCI through Biscomaun.
The coal scam pertained to Biscomaun selling subsidized coal to non –existent agencies. Director of Industries wrote a letter to Central Coalfileld Limites on the matter of coal distribution to the tiny and small consumers exposing the corrupt practices adopted by Biscomaun. In this letter (Vide letter nos 1342), Director of Industries, Govt of Bihar has intimated to Central Coalfield Limited that during inspection made by them(Director Industries) ,it has been found that Biscomaun has allocated coal either to those industries which are not in existence or presently closed.
It is well known that Biscomaun is nominated by the State government as state agency for distribution of coal to small and tiny consumers. After receiving this intimation CCL asked Bihar Govt either to monitor coal-distribution or suspend Biscomaun’s agency for the purpose.
On suspension Biscomaun approached High Court which gave verdict in its favour and restored its position as the sole agency of coal distribution in the state but simultaneously the court wanted the state government to investigate the matter.
In the Bihar assembly on Thursday the Cooperative Minister wanted to order probe by the MLA’s committee but deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi intervened and said that state vigilance committee is competent enough to probe the matter.
Modi also took a dig at opposition which kept mostly silent on the issue. It is well known that Sunil Singh, the Chairman of Biscomaun is close to RJD of Lalu Prasad Yadav. Vinay Singh of BJP had raised the matter in the House.