MP Threatens to Redirect Smart City Mission Funds for AC Facility

Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan has threatened to refer the diversion of funds saved for implementing Smart City Mission projects for installing air-conditioning facility for the shopping complex being constructed at Periyar bus stand, to the Central Vigilance Commission. Venkatesan was chairing the DISHA meeting held in the presence of MPs, B. Manickam Tagore and P. Ravindhranath Kumar, and district Collector M.S.Sangeetha. The new Commissioner of Madurai Corporation, K.J. Praveen, informed that ₹14.16 crore of the saved funds had been used for installing the AC. However, Venkatesan raised doubts over the use of these funds, as it was decided by the Smart City Advisory Committee that funds saved through Smart City projects be used only for Corporation school development works. The MP demanded an explanation from the officials and threatened to report the issue to the vigilance commission. Venkatesan also expressed displeasure over the Corporation still keeping ₹50 crore with HDFC Bank, despite being directed earlier to transfer the funds to a nationalised bank. He further instructed the Corporation Commissioner to verify the materials used in the construction of the newly-constructed Tamukkam Convention Centre, citing the non-functioning of its air-conditioning during a recent government function.