Misappropriation alleged in works worth 70 lakh

Azampura: Misappropriation and diversion of funds to the tune of Rs 70 lakh came to light after a social activist received an RTI report on the works executed by Executive Engineer, APSCRIC (AP State Co-operative Rural Irrigation Corporation) civil works department. Allegedly the funds were sanctioned from MLC funds under (CDP) Constituency Development Programme.

According to the RTI report, in 2017-18 in Azampura division, around Rs 70 lakh worth of works were sanctioned from MLC funds. Generally, GHMC or HMWSSB is awarded the works, but this time the works were given to APSCRIC, Rajendranagar.

In this regard complaints were also made to the Hyderabad District Collector and GHMC Chief Engineer, alleging misuse of CDP funds in Azampura division under Malakpet constituency by the public representatives. Even the tender process was questioned as entire process was manual and there was no transparency in the procedure.

Speaking to The Hans India, Abdul Rahman, social activist said that after receiving RTI copies from the authorities, he took up the matter with the higher officials of GHMC and Collector. "This is complete loss to public exchequer.

The State government has given funds to MLAs and MLCs to develop the constituency by assigning the works to local civic bodies like GHMC and HMWSSB, but contrary to this practice, the public representatives were found to be assigning works to EE, APSCRIC and DPRE, PIU (PR), Ranga Reddy District, the reason best known to them and utilising general budget by GHMC.

Moreover, the CC Road laying works at Malakpet Chowni was done by GHMC and the billing amounts of the same works were recorded by APSCRIC officers. In this fashion, the APSCRIC and PIU officers claimed the bills for works not done and causing loss to the public exchequer," he noted.

Further, he alleged that despite filing a number of RTI applications to PIO, EE, APSCRIC to provide the information of CDP Funds, the officer concerned failed to provide the information in the last six months. "So many ACB cases are pending against some of the officials of APSCRIC, but till now no action has been initiated against them," he added.

He said that the works include laying of CC roads, and SWG pipeline and CC patch works in Azampura area and most of these appeared to be of poor quality. For instance, a 6-inch thick CC road was planned, but the road is visibly 2-3 inch in Azampura division. He also alleged that without examining the works dine, the bills were being released.

He said that a representation has been given to Hyderabad District Collector and GHMC chief engineer on November 18. They assured to conduct an inquiry and initiate action, he added.