Sacked Punjab minister Vijay Singla’s history of corrupt activities revealed
India Today
Punjab health minister Vijay Singla’s history of corrupt activities has been revealed.
A day after his arrest by the anti-corruption bureau, investigations revealed that Punjab health minister Vijay Singla was involved in several corrupt activities. He formed a network of his closest relatives in April to carry out these activities.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann had removed Vijay Singla from the state cabinet after learning that the minister was allegedly demanding one per cent commission for tenders. Bhagwant Mann said the minister was removed after he confessed to having demanded bribes (Shukrana).
The first thing Vijay Singla did in the health department was to shield the corrupt officials. Singla also tried to cover up the health department scams which came to light during the Congress regime. According to sources, officials in the health department who sought a favourable posting were asked to pay a month’s salary to Singal’s network.
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An alleged deal between Singla’s network and the owners of de-addiction centres has also come to light. The deal was reportedly made with the help of Singla’s relative who owns the centres.
The supply of some medicines besides buprenorphine (used to treat opioid disorders) made during Singla's tenure is also being investigated. The utilisation of the emergency response and health system package worth Rs 198 crore is also likely to be probed. The funds were allocated by the union government.
Vijay Singla’s activities are likely to delay the setting up of the 75 mohalla clinics which were recently announced by chief minister Bhagwant Mann.
