Rajasthan govt orders probe into charges against MoS

In a PIL, Congress district chief Pankhilal Meena alleged that Meena diverted funds from her MPLAD quota to her own NGO. ‘‘Jas Kaur Meena is siphoning off public funds allotted to the MP for her own gains. This is not only misuse of a privilege, but also fraud against the public exchequer,’’ states Pankhilal.

The charges include purchase of an ambulance and X-ray machines through recommended organisations. While rules say MPs cannot recommend groups, Meena is said to have instructed the Sawai Madhopur district collector to buy equipment from some firms only, though cheaper quotations were available.

Besides funding Janjati Mahila Vikas Pratishthan, an NGO, set up by her during her stint as the Project Director for Women and Child Development in the district, Meena is also said to have given money to Sewa Sanstha Bharat Vikas Parishad, an NGO run by her husband. Congress MLA Sayam Lodha first raised the issue during the Budget session this year. Following uproar, the government admitted that funds had been misused and Congress MLAs sought lodging a police complaint against Meena.