Power Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong declined to accept the need for a separate inquiry into the scam-tainted Smart Meter Project.
An independent inquiry is currently underway into the running of the Power Department and state-owned electricity utilities going back several years. However, the opposition wanted a separate probe into the smart meters, the introduction of which are being funded by the Asian Development Bank.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, leader of the opposition Dr Mukul Sangma said that the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry instituted by the government is not specific to this particular issue.
Sangma said that the findings of the separate inquiry will instill confidence in the people of the state on the implementation of this programme.
In his reply, Tynsong rejected the demand for a separate inquiry and said that the terms of reference are very specific on procurement, which covers the smart meter project and others.
The inquiry committee is preparing its report before submitting it by March 31.
