Nava Kerala Mission project not included in budget 2018; opposition sees no change

KOCHI:  The special council of the Kochi Corporation witnessed huge uproar on Wednesday. The Opposition alleged, contrary to the government order, the council has presented the same budget again. It is a mere eyewash, the Opposition said. “In an order to the Corporation secretary, the government instructed to present a revised annual budget for 2018-19,” said K J Antony.“According to the GO, the Corporation has to submit a report of the same before July 5. On Wednesday, the same budget was presented before the council without any modification or change. This is against the GO.” 

Even though the Opposition insisted on a revised budget by including Nava Kerala Mission projects, the Mayor rejected the demand declaring the projects were already included in the budget. The government had directed the Corporation secretary to submit a revised budget after the LDF submitted a complaint to the government on March 27 that the ruling front had violated Section 285 of the Kerala Municipal Act while preparing the budget. 

Deputy Mayor T J Vinod alleged the government decided to order a revised budget was political.  “Since the budget was presented by me, the whole responsibility to give the clarification is vested with me. However, when the Audit Department took comments from the Opposition, they haven’t heard my version. Based on his report, the Local Self Government Department additional secretary instructed the Corporation secretary to present a revised budget,” he said. 

In her reply, Mayor Soumini Jain negated the need for a revised budget as there is no change in total revenue and expenditure or other core components. Meanwhile, the Opposition approached the LSGD secretary citing the Corporation has neglected the government order to present a revised budget.