Giving in to intense political pressure, the Maharashtra government has finally agreed to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the burgeoning irrigation scam in the state, involving an estimated Rs 1 lakh crore and some 8,000 unfinished irrigation projects.
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An announcement to this effect was made in the state Assembly on December 17 by water resources minister Sunil Tatkare. The SIT is likely to be headed by renowned water expert Madhav Chitale, he added. The details of the committee and the time-frame within which it will submit its report will be finalised by the end of December.
Meanwhile, the Opposition has welcomed the government’s decision. Opposition leader Vinod Tawade said that Chitale was a suitable person to head the committee and the committee would bring all facts related to the scam to light. The opposition had stalled all work of the state Assembly since the start of the winter session on December 10, demanding an SIT probe.