UP minister to pay back 'double salary'

LUCKNOW: A day after chief minister Mayawati sacked four ministers on charges of corruption, Chandradev Ram Yadav, minister for small industries, who is also facing corruption charges, gave in writing to Lokayukta NK Mehrotra that he will pay back five years salary he drew as principal of a government-aided inter college along with the salary as member of legislative assembly.
The minister gave the assurance on the notice issued by the Lokayukta following a complaint that Yadav not only has drawn two salaries simultaneously but has allegedly amassed wealth disproportionate to known sources of income, taking gun licenses in large number and land grabbing in his native village in Azamgarh. The complaint against Yadav was lodged by three persons of Azamgarh.
Significantly, the minister had on December 15 refused to give an explanation arguing that the Lokayukta has no powers to question or probe corruption charges against him. He also cited a ruling by the Supreme Court, which provides immunity to ministers from the Lokayukta institution. However, Lokayukta rejected minister's reply and told him to file reply by December 23.
In the meantime, officials in Azamgarh confirmed that as principal of Kashi Madhyamik School, Yadav was drawing the salary since December 2006. With no other option left, the minister on Monday told the Lokayukta that he will deposit the money recieved as principal in the state exchequer. He claimed that he was not aware that salary was deposited in his bank account by education officers.
Regarding firearm licenses, Yadav admitted that he got 10 licenses for his family members as they face threat to their life from his rivals. The minister also submitted reply denying charges of land grabbing and amassing huge wealth. The Lokayukta said that he will decide the matter after verifying the allegations with concerned authorities and going through the reply submitted by the minister.