Distribution of cash and gifts to journalists by Minister Beni Prasad:Activist demands CVC probe

Nutan Thakur

Beni Prasad Verma

LUCKNOW: Social activist and Aam Admi party worker Nutan Thakur on Wednesday demanded Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) probe into distribution of mobile phones, cash and suitcases worth Rs 2 crore by union steel minister Beni Prasad Verma to more than 1000 journalists and Congress workers who are members of National Steel Consumer Council. 

The minister distributed cash and gifts on Monday in Lucknow at the meeting of the said council held in a five star hotel. The beneficiaries included Congress workers from Verma's home district Barabanki, his constituency Gonda and local journalists. 

The minister claimed that the money was actually TA/DA for those who are members of the council formed by the union steel ministry. 

On Tuesday, he had promised 'better package' for the journalists of Faizabad and said that he is a trader who knows where to invest to ge good return. 

On Wednesday, Thakur wrote a letter to the Pradeep Kumar, chairperson, CVC, and the prime minister, stating that as per rules, people from iron, steel, construction, housing and related industries can be nominated as members of the consumer council. However, in the given case members seems to have been arbitrarily appointed and given gifts solely for political reasons to help Verma in the coming Lok Sabha elections. 
Calling it a blatant misuse of official authority, Thakur has asked for probe in the appointment of these Council members and distribution of gifts and cash. 
Later, Verma, in his defence, said that gifts and money was distributed as per rules and was from surplus earned by the ministry. However, the act was condemned by the Opposition parties. TOI