GHMC chief refutes charges of financial irregularities

Says every penny is pre-audited, and there is no scope for misuse of funds

Hyderabad: GHMC Commissioner MT Krishna Babu ruled out financial irregularities in execution of various civic works undertaken by the corporation. "Every penny will be pre-audited and there is no scope for misuse of funds," he said.

In wake of doubts among Mayor Majid Hussain and standing committee members about the difference of figures pertaining to sanctioned amounts for works and the actual amount spent on them, Krishna Babu convened a press meet here on Wednesday to give out elaborate details on this issue.

He pointed out that budgetary provisions of the Municipal Act facilitate enhancing of the expenditure to twice the sanctioned amount in some cases. For capital works like construction of bridges, flyovers, road under bridges (that usually take two to three years for completion), there is always a possibility of funds exceeding the prior sanctioned figure due to several reasons, he said.

"For instance, the standing committee might sanction Rs 120 crore for remodelling of storm water drains over a period of five years. However, the actual expenditure might end up close to Rs 200 crore because the construction costs, land acquisitions and other things that increase year after year," he said.

He, however, stated that elected representatives could raise complaints regarding the quality of the civic works at any point of time. The quality control wings would look into such complaints and take necessary measures, the GHMC chief added.

Krishna Babu informed that they would place all details relating to re-appropriation of funds for 2012-13 before the next standing committee meeting. "Some wings like engineering, parks and sports are not maintaining budget head records properly and hence memos were issued to concerned financial superintendants to furnish all details," he said.

Explaining details about a crucial meeting on unauthorised constructions chaired by the Chief Secretary with senior officials from the GHMC, water board, CPDCL and registration departments that are taking part, Krishna Babu stated that the government was mulling over making amendments to registration laws.