No going back on CFL scheme: CM

Dhumal told mediapersons today that he had asked Chief Secretary Asha Swaroop to look into the complaints, sent by a rival CFL manufacturing company, and consult the experts on distribution of bulbs, which are durable, carry a long warranty and don8217;t play havoc with the power transmission system.

The CM claimed that the controversy on the issue was a result of clash of business interests, but the government had been prompt to order an inquiry. 8220;Just look at the government8217;s honesty. We don8217;t want any controversy on the issue as the scheme is linked to Atalji8217;s name,8221; he said.

8220;The issue for the inquiry is simple. Whether the government should go for the best quality bulbs of 0.85 power factor PF or 0.05 PF. The latter, no doubt, will save Rs 18 to 20 crore, but we will damage our system, which will cost the exchequer very heavily,8221; Dhumal maintained.

The Chief Minister termed the scheme as highly innovative, which no other state has tried so far.

Asked about reverting the heritage US Club into 8220;Services Club8221;, as during the Raj days, Dhumal said members of the IAS association had met him recently and requested for restoring the Club back to the Services.

8220;The matter is under consideration of the government,8221; he added.