Chandigarh: Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) patron and former Haryana finance minister Sampat Singh on Friday accused the state's BJP government of maintaining double standards. He claimed that the Nayab Singh Saini administration was preaching austerity while engaging in extravagant spending.
Allegations of Eyewash and Unnecessary Expenditure
Terming the state's recent directives on expenditure cuts and energy conservation as mere eyewash, Sampat Singh alleged that while departments and the public were advised to reduce spending and avoid rallies, the government itself promoted unnecessary expenditure. He questioned the spending of crores of rupees on delegates and officials during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association program held in Chandigarh earlier this month.
Call for Downsizing Government
The former minister suggested that the government should first reduce its own expenditure by downsizing ministerial staff and administrative arrangements. He claimed that the state could function effectively with nine ministers instead of the current 15.
Unemployment and IAS Extensions
Raising the issue of unemployment, the INLD patron said lakhs of educated and talented youth in Haryana were struggling for jobs, while retired IAS officers were repeatedly granted extensions and appointed to lucrative posts. He alleged that the BJP government had turned into a shelter for retired IAS officers, placing an additional burden on the state exchequer.
Review of Appointments and Transparency Demands
The former minister also sought a review of appointments in over 100 boards, corporations, and other bodies, demanding the abolition of unnecessary posts and withdrawal of excess official facilities to reduce expenditure. He further demanded transparency in the ongoing bank fraud investigation and questioned the government's rising debt burden.
