Kochi: The Corporation councillors have alleged discrimination in the distribution of Plan funds for the projects, to be undertaken, during 2014 – 2015.
During the council meeting, on Wednesday, both Ruling and Opposition councillors alleged that distribution of the Plan funds for next fiscal has been done in the most ‘undemocratic’ manner.
The town planning committee chairman, K.J Sohan, one of the senior most councillors, strongly criticised the ‘inequitable distribution’ of the funds and demanded additional funds for the west Kochi area.
“Of the total Rs 5.87 cr, allocated for the road development, in the general category, only Rs 94 cr has been given to west Kochi divisions,” he alleged.
For the much-awaited development of 40-feet road in Palluruthy, only Rs 25 lakhs has been allocated for land acquisition while it requires a minimum of Rs 1 crore. The Opposition councillors also criticised the Mayor saying that funds are pumping only for the projects in central zone and suburban divisions are being neglected.
“The development projects are focused only in 10 or 15 divisions in the central zone which are connected to the Metro Rail project. All other divisions have been side-lined,” alleged CPM councillor, K.V Manoj.
Fort Kochi councillor, Adv. Antony Kureethara, also raised the allegation and sought additional funds for renovation of Nehru Park and the beach.Several councillors from the ruling bench also criticised the Mayor for the discriminatory approach in allocation of Plan funds. K.J Jacob, M.P Mahesh Kumar, C.A Shakeer, Thambi Subramanian, P.S Prakash, Sunila Dixon, Valsalakumari, Bhama Padmanabhan and Gracy Joseph also spoke.
Replying to the debate, Mayor Tony Chammany assured that the grievances raised by the councillors would be taken care of. He informed the council that a four member committee, including Mayor, Opposition leader K.J Jacob, development committee chairman T.J Vinod and Opposition councillor, K.N Sunil Kumar, would look into the disparities in distribution of funds. “After scrutinising, necessary changes would be made in project proposals and fund allocation,” said the Mayor.
