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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: D’Cunha Committee and its recommendations
Why in the News?
The commission, headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha, has released a report investigating the irregularities in the procurement and management of COVID-19 resources in Karnataka.
Key Findings:
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What is the D’Cunha Committee?
- It was formed in August 2023 to investigate the alleged irregularities in COVID-19 procurements and management of medical supplies during the tenure of the erstwhile government in Karnataka.
- It was headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha.
- It was tasked with examining the procurement processes and the disbursement of funds under various schemes, particularly the PM CARES Fund, and identifying administrative lapses and corruption.
Recommendations given by the Committee:
- Investigate Ventilator Procurement: Recommend a probe into the procurement of 130 ventilators on March 22, 2020, under questionable circumstances, despite similar supplies under PM CARES.
- Review Undelivered Ventilators: Recommended action on payments made for ventilators that were undelivered or partially delivered.
- Scrutiny of Price Variations: Called for an investigation into the vast price differences for ventilators, ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹16.25 lakh.
- Probe PPE Kit Purchases: Suggested further inquiry into inflated prices for PPE kits bought from Chinese firms despite cheaper local alternatives.
- Formation of SIT: Recommended setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for further probe into the Karnataka Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd. (KSMSCL).
- Enhance Transparency: Urged improved procedures to ensure accountability in future procurements.
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