Interview: Sikandar Singh Maluka, education minister, Punjab

Q: What do you have to say about the irregularities in purchase of library books under the central SSA grant of Rs 9.28 crore?
A: There is no irregularity.

Q: A vague tender for the supply of books was published in a single, small newspaper. What you have to say on that count?
A: I have not seen the tender. If there is any fault at any point, the guilty will be punished. What I know is that the procedure was duly adopted.

Q: A single publisher whose credentials to meet the demand were also doubtful was roped in by the 3-member panel formed by you? Why no action has been taken against any of these officials so far?
A: We have served showcause notices to all of them. And I am saying that those at fault will not be spared. Wait for the findings.

Q: When the DGSE has been carrying out the SSA procedures all along, why this DPI-led panel for procuring books?
A: There is nothing wrong in that. The DGSE was aware of the procedure as a part of the system.

Q: Are you going to register a criminal case after the findings?
A: Yes, I told you earlier that those at fault will not be spared.