Priyanka Chaturvedi Calls for Discussion on Corruption in Maharashtra Infrastructure Projects
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has requested a suspension of business in the Rajya Sabha to discuss corruption in Maharashtra’s infrastructure projects. She highlighted issues like the Rs 18,000 crore Atal Setu bridge developing cracks and a blacklisted company being awarded a Rs 11,566 crore road project. Chaturvedi urged the Minister of Road Transport and Highways to seek a report from the state government and provide details for a comprehensive discussion.
Details of the Notice
Chaturvedi gave the notice under Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). She requested the suspension of Zero Hour and relevant rules to discuss the corruption in public infrastructure projects by the Maharashtra State Government.
Specific Issues Highlighted
- The Atal Setu bridge, costing nearly Rs 18,000 crore, developed cracks within six months of its opening.
- A formerly blacklisted company was awarded a Rs 11,566 crore road project under phase 2 of the Rs 6,000 crore cement concrete road project in Mumbai.
Chaturvedi also mentioned that if the matter could not be discussed under Rule 267, she should be allowed to raise it during Zero Hour on July 29, 2024.
Background
In June, the Maharashtra Congress accused the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena government of corruption in the construction of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Seva Atal Setu in Navi Mumbai. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) later clarified that the cracks were found on a service road connecting the bridge and did not pose any threat to the bridge’s structure.
Doubts Revealed
Priyanka Chaturvedi -: Priyanka Chaturvedi is a politician from India. She is a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT) party and serves as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of India’s Parliament.
Shiv Sena (UBT) -: Shiv Sena (UBT) is a political party in India. ‘UBT’ stands for ‘Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray,’ who is a prominent leader of the party.
Rajya Sabha -: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of India’s Parliament. It is similar to the Senate in other countries and is responsible for making and passing laws.
corruption -: Corruption means dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by powerful people like government officials. It often involves taking bribes or misusing public money.
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a state in western India. It is one of the largest and most populous states in the country, with Mumbai as its capital.
infrastructure projects -: Infrastructure projects are large construction projects like roads, bridges, and buildings that help improve a country’s facilities and services.
Atal Setu bridge -: The Atal Setu bridge is a large bridge in India. It was named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a former Prime Minister of India.
blacklisted company -: A blacklisted company is a company that has been banned from doing business because it did something wrong or illegal in the past.
Minister of Road Transport and Highways -: The Minister of Road Transport and Highways is a government official in India responsible for roads and highways. This person makes sure that roads and bridges are built and maintained properly.
