… Minister goes on paid leave

The government has asked the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to conduct an “immediate and thorough” investigation on an alleged corruption into the labour ministry’s training programmes, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay said.

He said the government asked for the investigation after the Prime Minister’s Office received several informal complaints. “The complaints were on possible incidences of corruption and collusion by the ministry particularly in awarding contracts relating to trainings in India and to Japan.”

A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that in order to ensure independent investigation without any interference, the labour minister has requested for leave until the investigation process is completed.

Prime Minister said that he met the labour ministry officials yesterday.

Lyonchhen said that the labour minister asked for leave so that the investigation is not impeded.

He said it was proper on the part of the minister to stay away while the ACC investigates the ministry. “I hope there is no corruption. If there is, there is no tolerance.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will take full charge of the ministry with immediate effect until the conclusion of the investigation.

Labour minister Ngeema Sangay Tshempo was not available for comment although Kuensel made numerous attempts.

Meanwhile, there were numerous media reports on complaints from groups of youth who opted for the government’s overseas employment programme mainly in India.

Tshering Palden

Advertisement