Sibal demands CBI probe into all NRHM related deaths

Union Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday questioned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's silence on the mysterious death of yet another man connected with the National Rural Health Mission scam and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into all related cases to bring out the truth.

"The death of Mahendra Sharma, the fifth victim of the NRHM scam, indicates that someone somewhere wants to keep the facts hidden and we demand that a CBI probe be  ordered into all the five related cases so that the entire reality could reach the people," Sibal told newspersons.

Stating that the body of Sharma, reported missing on February 7 was found on February 16, the Union HRD minister asked as to why the CM was still silent over the issue.

He said now that everyone knows a scam took place in NRHM in Uttar Pradesh, it was more important to find out whether there is an attempt to keep the facts under wraps with murders taking place... to find out "if it is the corruption of any former minister."

Sibal also questioned as to how the UP government is functioning with about 60 per cent of its ministers either dismissed or found guilty by the Lokayukt in its inquiry.

"Of the total strength of 52, 21 have already been dismissed and around ten others have been found guilty in the eyes of the Lokayukt', he said adding that those left in the government have been given ten to 12 departments with one (excise minister) having 18 portfolios.

"We want to take this issue to the people and tell them this is the kind of governance in the state.

 Presenting statistics, he said under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee in some districts 90 per cent job card holders are still jobless and there are incidents of payment made for 403 days in one year.

"In Auraiya district, a brick costing Rs six has been purchased for Rs 365 and payment of Rs 2 crore has been made for 60,000 bricks," he said.