Kochi: A.C. Moideen, Minister for Local Self Government, rapped Mayor Soumini Jain and the Kochi Corporation authorities for the failure in implementation of Central and state government-funded projects.
During a review meeting convened here on Friday to assess the progress of projects in the current fiscal, the civic authorities had to face the wrath of the minister. While other civic bodies including municipal corporations are fast progressing, Kochi Corporation is taking lackadaisical approach towards initiating and completing various projects, the minister blamed.
Mr Moideen also lashed outat the civic officials who failed to furnish satisfactory explanations to his queries.
With five months left for the fiscal to end, the civic body could utilise only less than 25 per cent of the Plan funds while expenditure of other local bodies is more than 50 per cent. As per the state government directive, 75 per cent of the Plan funds should be utilised by December. The civic authorities could not provide substantial explanation for poor expenditure of funds.
Though officials cited GST as the reason, the minister didn’t admit saying that, it is applicable for all local bodies.
The minister also expressed dissatisfaction over slowdown in execution of projects like LIFE Mission, PMAY and Smart City.
The Mayor informed that the civic body is going ahead with implementation of housing projects like LIFE Mission and PMAY for which the cash-strapped Corporation is struggling to raise urban local body (ULB) share of '72 crore.
Mr Moideen also criticised the civic authorities for the delay in launching the full fledged service of RO-RO vessels on Fort Kochi – Vypeen route.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction over the lapses and delay from the part of civic officials. “Functioning of the Corporation has been very disappointing and the officials and elected representatives should work more efficiently,” he said.
However, the minister promised all support for the development projects of the Corporation.
Mayor, deputy mayor, standing committee chairpersons, Cochin Samrt Mission Limited CEO A.P.M. Muhammad Hanish and officials were present.
