Government of Himachal Pradesh ‘going soft’ on Sanitizer Scam accused

Himachal Pradesh government has claimed zero-tolerance against corruption still the questions are being raised for allegedly shielding the officer, who was responsible for the purchase of hand sanitizers. This case has been investigated by the State Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau.

The sources had said that the secretariat administration department where all the purchases are made through a purchase committee headed by a deputy secretary-level officer. The contract of hand sanitizers which is being purchased by the committee was given to a contractor who did not have the licence issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. They said the contract was awarded on March 18 at the rate of Rs 130 per 100ml vial of sanitiser, while the government of India has fixed Rs 50 for the same. It has been alleged that the purchase committee placed the order for supply without revising the price.

The opposition started attacking the government after the irregularities came to the light, although the matter was handed over to the SV-ACB and state drug controller also held a preliminary investigation into the matter. It has also been recorded that a pharmaceutical company from Baddi had provided 2,700 vials of sanitisers on May 20 and another from Barotiwala 3,000 vials on March 31, but the contractor raised bills for the same, too, in connivance with officials.

Dr Naresh Kumar, the Director, health safety and regulations have been stated that both manufacturers of hand sanitisers from Baddi and Barotiwala in Solan district had been donated their products but he never sold the same.

The report recommended the constituting team of the officials comprising of the drug control administration, department of food, civil supply and consumer affairs, and the police department to investigate the matter. However, no effective action has been initiated against those responsible for the scam.