Agri minister says irregularities of 2-5% in all govt schemes, faces flak

Mumbai: State agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate set off a controversy on Tuesday by saying that there were 2-5% irregularities in all govt schemes, leading to allegations from the Opposition that the govt was condoning corruption.
Responding to queries on whether the crop insurance scheme would be shut down, he said, “In all govt schemes, there are 2-5% irregularities. I don’t feel that means the scheme should be shut down. It should be made more transparent,” said Kokate. Hitting out at the minister, NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil said, “There should be zero tolerance for corruption. If a minister is admitting to 2-5% corruption, then it must be in the range of 10-12% in reality.” Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sushma Andhare said, “This statement is very shocking. Kokate has admitted that there is corruption in the govt. DCM Ajit Pawar said in their Shirdi conclave that those who malign his party, the NCP, will be removed. What is his stand on Kokate?” —Priyanka.Kakodkar