A Rs 500 crore scam has been revealed in the advertisement wing of the GHMC
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Hyderabad: A Rs 500 crore scam has been revealed in the advertisement wing of the GHMC. Official statistics of the corporation state that there are 2,400 permitted hoardings in the city that generate Rs 100 crore revenue for the corporation. However, there are more than 6,000 hoardings in Greater Hyderabad and the income exceeds Rs 500 crore and there is no record of the amount.
The permissions are given both at zonal and head office level. Crores are being swindled by the departmental officers. In the highest revenue generation category, the advertising wing and town planning department are the top two categories.
Shyam Sunder Goud Gora of TS Vanarula Parirakshana committee said, “The GHMC states that since 2011 no new permission for hoardings have been given, while the records show that 2,400 hoarding have been given permission, but a survey conducted by the committee reveals the number of hoardings exceeding 6,000 in GHMC jurisdiction.
Responding to an RTI application, the corporation mentioned, the total revenue income from advertisements is Rs 34 crore but on August 31 they clarified that it is Rs 100 crore. When Rs 100 crore is generated with 2,400 hoarding, the income exceeds Rs 500 crore with 6,000 hoardings.”
The committee states on June 16 2015, proofs (statistics and video clipping) were submitted to the deputy commissioner and additional commissioner circle number three GHMC. However there is no further action on it.
“Not a single hoarding can be set up without the knowledge of the GHMC officials, there is no account of income, most of the permission granted is done orally and handled by the circle officials, the committee adds. Meanwhile, the corporation to enhance the existing advertisement tax, the advertisement policy will be surveyed soon.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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