Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a corruption investigation against two senior officials of the Health Department. They are accused of irregularities in purchasing medicines, surgical items and medical equipment for government hospitals.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has asked to initiate an investigation against two top officials of the Health Department. They have been accused of alleged irregularities in purchasing medicines and medical related items for government hospitals.
Allegations of irregularities in purchasing
In this case, investigation will be conducted against former Director General of Health Services, Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal and Deputy Controller of Accounts Neeraj Chopra. According to the complaints, large-scale financial and administrative irregularities were found in the procurement done through the Central Procurement Agency (CPA).
Investigation will be done under anti-corruption law
The Chief Minister has demanded an investigation under Section 17A of the Anti-Corruption Act, 1988. Officials said the investigation will find out whether the procurement process was manipulated to favor certain vendors, causing loss to the government exchequer.
Government’s stance: Corruption will not be tolerated
Rekha Gupta once again made it clear that her government will not tolerate corruption at all. He asked the officials to conduct the investigation impartially, transparently and without any discrimination. He also said that whoever is found guilty after the entire process, strict action will be taken against him.
There have been arrests and suspensions before as well.
This matter has come to light when Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal and former CPA chief Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga have been suspended in the same investigation. Only last week, the anti-corruption branch of the Delhi government had arrested Dr. Ranga in connection with alleged irregularities in the purchase of medicines, surgical supplies and medical equipment.
Officials are investigating the procurement records, tender process and all financial transactions related to it. Officials say that the investigation is still going on and further action may be taken depending on the facts revealed in the investigation.