Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Welfare Minister Sampath Kumar said in Coimbatore on Friday that action would certainly be taken if allegations of irregularities in the book and bicycle tender process were found to have substance, and that a committee would be constituted to conduct a detailed inquiry into the procurement process.

Speaking to reporters at the Coimbatore District Collectorate, Sampath Kumar said the concerns raised by the media would also be taken into consideration, and that strict action would follow if the allegations were established. The allegations themselves have not been established, and the minister presented the inquiry as the way to test them.

"Anyone can make allegations, but action will certainly be taken if there is substance to them," the minister said, adding that the committee would examine the procurement process, including identifying the company from which bicycles would be purchased.

Responding to questions about the tender for bicycles to be distributed to school students, Sampath Kumar said the Chief Minister's policy was to provide quality bicycles to students. He further stated that companies participating in the tender must have the capacity to supply bicycles worth Rs 300 crore.

The minister reiterated that the matter would be examined through a detailed inquiry and that appropriate action would be taken if any irregularities were established.