The Congress has accused Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare minister, Pankaja Munde of flouting rules of business to award contracts in her department
The Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare minister, Pankaja Munde, has been asked to give a written explanation on the allegations of irregularities in purchases worth crores of rupees made by her department, by the state legislative council.
Earlier, Congress lawmaker, Sharad Ranipse had moved a breach of privilege motion against Ms Munde, accusing her of flouting rules of business.
Mr Ranipse said, "The Governor in his first address... had mentioned that e-tendering will be made mandatory for all purchases, which was approved by the state cabinet... By approving Rs 206 crore-worth items, Ms Munde has flouted the rules of business."
The opposition has accused the 36-year-old minister of awarding contracts for various items including the sweet snack, "chikki" for tribal area schools without her department calling for e-tenders.
BJP leaders have defended Ms Ms Munde. Senior minister, Eknath Khadse said, "Mere allegations do not mean that corruption has actually taken place. I know of a hundred cases like this."
Apart from Ms Munde, state education minister, Vinod Tawde, is also facing allegations of irregularities in a contract for purchasing 62,105 fire extinguishers worth Rs 191 crore for schools run by the local administration.
The opposition created a ruckus in protest, following which the Chairman, Ramraje Nimbalkar, asked Ms Munde to give a written explanation and adjourned the day's proceedings.