ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday welcomed the CBI preliminary inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court of India into allegations surrounding the award of government contracts, and assured full cooperation with the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Responding to the development, Khandu said the enquiry would help clear the air and reaffirm transparency in governance. He said his government has nothing to hide and will extend all support required for a fair and independent inquiry.
“The truth will come out,” he said.
The apex court had directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry while hearing a public interest litigation, asking the agency to verify claims made in affidavits placed before it.
Earlier, in its affidavit, the State Government had stated that out of 21,079 works, only 121 works were awarded to four firms through proper tender process during the last 10 years, which is just 0.57% of all contracts awarded across the State. Value-wise, these contracts amounted to ₹1,245.04 crore, which is 2.74% of the total ₹45,380.96 crore worth of contracts awarded through proper tender process in the State during the same period, the affidavit read.
The Supreme Court directed the CBI to verify these facts through a preliminary inquiry.
The preliminary inquiry will now determine the veracity of the claims.
