"There is enough evidence of irregularities in distributing Marketing Intensive Assistance for the aritisans under MSSE. It shows misuse of a huge amount of fund by the Left front government during its 34 years rule," Debnath said soon after taking over his responsibility in the department.
Even a coopeative in handloom sector, existence of which is doubtful, recieved fund under MIA during the LF rule on the basis of its fake sale of produce, he said.
"Such a practice in the department should be probed and transparancy restored", the minister said.
To a question, Debnath claimed his department was capable of creating alternative employment for over one crore people.
The minister said steps would be taken soon for the turnaround of various loss-making units under his department.
Citing an example of turnaround, he said Tantuja, a weavers cooperative in the state has been able to reduce its margin of loss from Rs 14 crore to Rs five crore after the Mamata Banerjee government took over.