Tirupati: TTD executive officer Anil Kumar Singhal admitted that there was a shortfall of jewellery worth Rs 7.36 lakh in the treasury.
Explaining the system of storing jewellery, he said all donations were brought to the treasury where an assistant executive officer rank official enters the details in the record and stores them. When an official is transferred, all items would be inspected in the presence of outgoing, and incoming officials in the presence of vigilance personnel, the dy executive officer concerned and accounts officials.
Speaking to mediapersons, Mr Singhal said, “The stock will be duly entered in the register and submitted to the higher officials. They are under the control of an assistant executive officer who is the custodian of the property. He will be held responsible in case any shortage or missing of property is reported,” Mr Singhal said.
Incoming officials have to give an undertaking about taking responsibility for the safety of the donations.
He said assistant executive officer M. Srinivasulu had personally reported some shortages of ornaments valued at Rs 7,36,376 as per certification of October 10, 2017, and some additions. Among the excess items were gold and silver ornaments, precious stones and gold-plated jewels.
After investigations the then AEO was held responsible for the shortfall in ornaments. The value of the jewellery was being recovered at the rate of Rs 25,000 per month from his salary. A total of Rs 2.25 lakh had been recovered so far, Mr Singhal said.
He said Mr Srinivasulu had asked for a re-certification of the jewellery in the treasury, contending that the jewellery was still lying in the treasury.
