The Assembly committee has decided to seek explanation from the Enforcement Directorate over the intervention made by it in the Life Mission project. The move is based on the complaint filed by CPM MLA James Mathew with the Speaker against the central agency which had demanded the files of the Life Mission Project. The Privileges and Ethics Committee of the Legislative Assembly has demanded an explanation from ED in this regard within 7 days.
Several complaints and allegations of corruption were raised in connection with the Wadakkancherry Life Mission project. However, ED intervened in a manner that impedes all construction works across the state. ED summoned the officer in charge of the Life Mission project and enquired about the details of all Life Mission construction works across the state. The promise given by the Chief Minister and other ministers in the Assembly was that the project will be completed and handed over to eligible people on time. However, the intervention from central agencies is in a way that does not allow this, James Mathew stated in the letter adding it was not right and the matter should be considered immediately.
The speaker considered the complaint seriously and sent it for the consideration of Committee on Privileges and Ethics.
The complaint filed by James Mathew MLA was examined by the committee on Thursday afternoon. Following this a decision to seek an explanation from ED was taken. It is rare for a Legislative Assembly Ethics Committee to seek an explanation from a central agency. ED officers cannot give an explanation without the permission of the central government. Hence the practicality of this move is still doubtful.
If proceeded with, ED officers are likely to be summoned and asked for explanation.
Siji Kadakkal, Mathrubhumi News
Discussion about this post