Ind trio calls LED bulbs a scam, BJP welcomes probe
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 13 July 2016 23:12 IST
The trio of independent MLAs has threatened to file a case against Goa government, alleging that the Jyotirmay scheme of distributing the LED bulbs free of cost is a big scandal.
Vijai Sardesai, Rohan Khaunte and Naresh Sawal today announced that they are exploring legal option of either filing a complaint before the Lokayukta or approaching the high court with a Public Interest Litigation.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has however dismissed the allegation while claiming that the opposition is scared because of the popularity the party is gaining from the LED bulb scheme.
“Let them file a case of scam. We welcome it. Ultimately, the truth will come out”, said Vinay Tendulkar, the state BJP president.
He also said that his party’s government has distributed around 1.5 lakh LED bulbs so far by holding over 135 functions in the nook and corner of Goa.
Sardesai however said the state government has converted official functions into party functions in violation of the Rules of the Business of the Government.
Bicholim MLA Sawal alleged that Rs 1100 are being siphoned off behind every set of three bulbs because actually they are available for Rs 100 while government claims the cost at Rs 1200.
“Which is this company manufacturing bulbs for the Goa government without either Bureau of Indian Standard mark or the Maximum Retail Price printed on the box”, asked Porvorim MLA Khanute.
Adding to this, Sawal alleged that a Delhi-based manufacturer has benefited from this scheme and not common Goenkar.
He also asked why the bulbs did not have ISI mark on it, which is mandatory.
The trio also recalled that the government had assured in the Assembly to install LED bulbs on the streets.
“The streets are in the dark while power cut has become order of the day”, observed Sardesai.
Sawal pointed out that power is consumed more on fans, mixers, refrigerators etc while the government is fooling the people about energy saving by distributing three LED bulbs.
“Instead, reduce at least Rs 50 on the power tariff”, he demanded.
