KOCHI: Despite having crores of rupees in its PMAY/Life Mission account, Kochi corporation has failed to disburse funds to beneficiaries. This has delayed construction of houses under the scheme.
“So far as we could learn, around 80 beneficiaries are awaiting the release of funds by the local body. On inquiry, we found out that the corporation’s bank account, which is being operated for the scheme, has around Rs 28 crore in it,” said corporation UDF parliamentary party secretary M G Aristotle.
“Many families are finding it difficult to complete the construction of their houses. Though we raised the issue before corporation authorities several times, they didn’t take any proactive measures,” he said.
Even if authorities disburse the amount, they give only partial payment.
“We have got just Rs 80,000 out of the second instalment. In fact, they should have given us Rs 1.6 lakh. Shortage of funds is cited for the partial disbursal,” said Sudheesh T S of Palluruthy. “I toiled to get even 50% of the second instalment,” he said.
According to corporation authorities, it is the delay in getting Union govt’s share that is hampering proper implementation of the scheme. “We don’t get Union govt’s share properly. State govt asks us to use our own funds for the time being, and it can be later adjusted when we receive Union govt’s funds. The long delay in getting central share causes difficulty for us,” mayor M Anilkumar said.
Corporation officials are hesitant to divert funds earmarked for other projects. “Officials who divert other funds for PMAY/Life scheme may be answerable if other projects get delayed,” said an official with the local body.
