Sulabh International accused of Rs 9.3 crore irregularities
Officials of Sulabh International, an NGO which constructed toilets in 25 districts of the state under Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Scheme (ICLS), and some government officials have been accused by the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) of being involved in “serious financial irregularity and criminal conspiracy” involving Rs 9.39 crore.
The money was paid to the NGO by former SUDA director Chintamani and former SUDA finance controller V K Srivastava under “NGO charges” for various works, including making biometric photo identity card of beneficiaries, maintenance of constructed toilets as well as organising seminars and training to create awareness about the scheme.
However, an official inquiry has found that the NGO, in spite of receiving the funds, did not perform the tasks. In his report, Joint Director B K Yaduvanshi has said that the two SUDA officials as well as Sulabh International “have committed serious financial irregularity and criminal conspiracy”.
The inquiry was ordered after an audit report of the scheme, submitted in September, stated that an amount of Rs 9.39 crore was paid to Sulabh International by Chintamani and Srivastava in violation of government orders. “We found that the amount was paid to NGO Sulabh International directly from SUDA whereas it should have been paid by the respective district officials after completion of the work,”Yaduvanshi told The Indian Express. “We have submitted our report to the director of SUDA.”
The toilets were to be constructed in the urban areas of 53 districts to replace dry toilets under the Government
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