Patna: A 'phased out' aircraft deal during Central rule in Bihar has sparked controversy with the Principal Accountant General (PAG) saying the purchase was not in conformity with established procedures. But the Chief Secretary denies the charge.
The purchase of the plane, King Air C90B, bought at a standard equipped price of $ 2,765,000 during President's Rule, has bought into focus 'serious' irregularities.
It also includes a payment of commission of Rs 33 lakh to Indamer, an agent of M/s Raytheon, the US manufacturer, from which the aircraft, suspected to be a second hand one, was procured.
The audit examination disclosed a new King Air C90GT aircraft would have been more suited to the needs of the Bihar government in view of its low operating cost, fuel efficiency, ability to land on shorter runways and unimproved strips. It also reveals that the decision under President's rule was not consistent with established procedure.
The standard equipped price of a King Air C90GT was $ 2,950,000, marginally higher than the cost of the one purchased.
When Contacted, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he would take action if irregularities in the deal were detected.
However, Chief Secretary G S Kang defended the state government's decision and rubbished the charge that any procedures were violated in purchase of the aircraft.
"No rules and procedures were flouted nothing wrong has been committed in the purchase of the plane," he told reporters in Gaya.
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