Now, dual desk scam comes to fore

As per reports, finance commission had sanctioned Rs 50 crore in 2008 for purchase of school desks. On May 23, 2008, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had approved purchase of dual desks at a price of Rs 2029 per desk.

Later, the then Chief Secretary had ordered the authorities to purchase the furniture at an inflated price of Rs 2610 a piece. However, the then School and Mass Education Minister asked the authorities to go for steel furniture considering the low price as compared to wooden ones.

Despite this, dual desk was purchased at a price of Rs 2539 per piece which is Rs 500 higher than the approved price.  

Meanwhile, the Opposition members alleged that there has been swindling of more than Rs 20 crore in the purchase of furniture for schools.

Rubbishing the allegations, the concerned minister said the allegations are baseless and does not hold any truth.

Stepping up the heat on the state government, the Opposition members demanded setting up of House committee to probe into the allegations. The proposal was, however, supported by some members of the ruling party.