BJP Alleges Scam in APMC Shimla-Kinnaur Shop Allotments

Shimla, July 15:
BJP state media in-charge Karan Nanda has alleged massive irregularities in the allotment of shops under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Shimla-Kinnaur. In a press statement issued from Narkanda, he accused the Congress-led government of fostering chaos and corruption across the state, claiming that the government has lost administrative grip.

Nanda stated that between 120 to 150 shops have been allocated in various market yards without proper adherence to norms. He claimed that allocations were made after receiving only a few applications, bypassing the mandatory open bidding process, thereby denying equal opportunity to all interested parties.

He further revealed that the matter has reportedly been brought to the notice of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and demanded a thorough probe. According to him, the Chairman and Secretary of APMC Shimla-Kinnaur must step down immediately for a fair investigation.

Preliminary findings have led to a show-cause notice being issued to the APMC Secretary. If the response is unsatisfactory, further disciplinary action will follow. Allegedly, shops have been allotted to inexperienced traders, and some markets in new locations like Dhalli and Tutu, as well as in areas of Kinnaur, Rampur, Rohru, and Chaupal, are under scrutiny.

Nanda concluded by saying that corruption has become rampant in this government—from the scooter-water transport incident to the Pakhuwala project subsidy scam—and demanded strict action.