Jana Sena Corporator Returns ₹25,000 GVMC Gift Coupon, Flags Cash Crunch
The corporator handed over the coupon to GVMC additional commissioner S.S. Verma on Tuesday, stating that such largesse was unjustified at a time when the civic body was facing a severe financial crunch: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: In a symbolic protest against what he termed wasteful spending, Jana Sena leader and GVMC corporator P.L.N. Murthy Yadav has returned the ₹25,000 gift coupon issued to corporators at the end of their council term.
The corporator handed over the coupon to GVMC additional commissioner S.S. Verma on Tuesday, stating that such largesse was unjustified at a time when the civic body was facing a severe financial crunch.
Calling the decision irrational, the corporator said the GVMC should not distribute expensive gift coupons when several civic works remained stalled due to lack of funds.
“The corporation should have used this money for pollution control, as residents have been breathing poor-quality air for years, or for road repairs and drainage works,” he said.
Yadav criticised the practice of collecting taxes from the public and spending the money on benefits for corporators, calling it unforgivable in a democratic system.
He urged the GVMC to do away with traditions such as presenting gifts and organising expensive tours for corporators and their families, and instead channel the funds towards development works that directly benefit the public.