By : Arvind Sharma
BJP’s senior leader and the ex CM of Himachal Pradesh Shanta Kumar’s dream project Vivekananda Trust of Palampur is in the pipe line for the vigilance inquiry of the state government. It was indicated by Mr. Sudhir Sharma, the minister of Urban Development in Dharamshala on Wednesday.
Minister was replying to the media that when a charge sheet has been filed against Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association ( HPCA ), for changing the nature of the land in use and converting association to company for alleged personal benefits, why the Trust of Shanta Kumar is being spared for identical break of rules.
Mr. Sudhir said, “nobody shall be spared if he breaks the law of the state/nation. Shanta’s Trust is also in the pipe line and if found otherwise shall be inquired by vigilance.” Minister said that the HPCA matter was the part of the charge sheet given to Governor against BJP rule activities, when Dhumal was the CM of Himachal Pradesh.
Referring to the Vivekananda medical college and research trust (VMRT) of Palampur, Mr. Sudhir said, “The projects of the public benefit, could not be allowed to run as private /family enterprises.” The irregularities of the project and its conversion to benefit BJP candidate Shanta Kumar and his family was also raised recently in media by AAP candidate of Kangra seat /ex BJP leader Dr. Rajan Sushant.
Mr. Sushant said that around 419 kanal of government land was given to Vivekananda on 30-4-92 by the pressure of the then CM Shanta Kumar, as the tea garden land could not be given to Trust under law.
Sushant further alleged that a land of the market value of Rs. 200 crore was given on just Rs. 1 without asking CSIR Palampur who was the owner at that time. It was also alleged that initially the Trust was comprised of senior government officers, and was later converted by Shanta to adjust only himself and his relatives. Mr. Sudhir Sharma Minister of Urban development, reacting to it said that it is the similar case of land misuse as that of HPCA and shall be dealt accordingly.
