Chennai, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : BJP legislator V. Srinivasan has raised serious allegations against the Tamil Nadu government, citing a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding the mismanagement of funds allocated under the central government’s Smart Cities Mission.
In a post on the social media platform X, Srinivasan stated that the audit revealed significant irregularities in several projects in Tamil Nadu. The mission aimed to improve infrastructure, public services, and the quality of life in urban areas. The audit covered projects worth ₹10,000 crore, focusing on work conducted between 2015 and 2023.
According to the report, work had not commenced on 52 projects costing ₹1,602.20 crore. The BJP leader further alleged that funds meant for the Smart Cities initiative were misappropriated for projects that should have been financed by municipal corporations. Five specific projects, totaling ₹21.42 crore, were funded through the mission’s resources, he claimed.
Srinivasan pointed out that the audit indicated a failure to adhere to guidelines set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. He accused state officials of undermining the program’s original objectives by diverting routine municipal work under the Smart Cities Mission.
The report also highlighted expenditures on projects that lacked approval under the mission. Allegations include the misuse of funds for purchasing vehicles and furniture for government offices, as well as expenses related to government publicity.
Another issue raised was the transfer of Smart City funds to the financial accounts of various Tamil Nadu government departments, which Srinivasan deemed a violation of established regulations. He argued that these findings cast doubt on claims that Tamil Nadu’s development has suffered due to insufficient financial assistance from the central government.
Srinivasan contended that the audit demonstrates the improper or incomplete use of funds received from the center. He described the findings as shocking and called for accountability regarding delays, misuse of funds, and expenditures that deviated from the mission’s approved objectives.
He emphasized that these shortcomings have adversely affected projects designed to modernize cities and enhance essential services for residents.
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