Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) BJP legislator Vanathi Srinivasan has accused the Tamil Nadu government of mismanaging funds allocated under the Centre’s Smart Cities Mission, citing findings in a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

In a post on X, Srinivasan said the audit findings revealed serious irregularities in several projects implemented across Tamil Nadu under the programme, which was intended to improve urban infrastructure, public services and the quality of life in cities. She said projects worth Rs 10,000 crore were covered by the audit, which examined implementation between 2015 and 2023.

According to her, the report found that 52 projects valued at Rs 1,602.20 crore had not been executed. The BJP leader also alleged that Smart City funds were diverted to works that should have been undertaken using the regular resources of municipal corporations. Five such projects, with a combined value of Rs 21.42 crore, were reportedly financed from mission funds, she said.

Srinivasan claimed the audit had identified departures from the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. By bringing routine corporation works under the Smart Cities Mission, the state authorities had diluted the programme’s original purpose, she alleged.

She further said the report referred to expenditure on works that had not received approval under the mission. Funds were also allegedly used to purchase cars and furniture for government offices and to meet expenses related to government publicity.

Another issue highlighted was the transfer of Smart City funds to the financial accounts of Tamil Nadu government departments, which Srinivasan described as a violation of the prescribed rules. The BJP MLA said the findings undermined claims that Tamil Nadu’s development had suffered because the Union government had denied the state adequate financial support.

The audit, she argued, showed that even money provided by the Centre had not been spent properly or fully. Calling the findings shocking, Srinivasan demanded accountability for the delays, diversion of funds and expenditure outside the scheme’s approved objectives.

She said the lapses had affected projects designed to modernise cities and improve essential services for residents.

–IANS

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