Controversy has arisen after information about huge expenditure came to light during the demolition drive conducted by Gujarat’s Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) against encroachment in Jangelshwar. During this demolition campaign of the Municipal Corporation, a bill of more than Rs 3 crore was presented for tea, cashew katli, jalebi, water, breakfast, lunch and tents etc. In view of the extremely expensive bill, the newly formed political board has ordered a review. Besides, SIT investigation has also been set up.
Among the bills worth crores of rupees sent during the demolition drive in a small municipal corporation, the most shocking expenditure is on breakfast and water. The bill shows an expenditure of Rs 27.2 lakh in the name of refreshment bill alone. According to the documents submitted to the corporation, this expenditure includes 21,310 cups of tea, 13,390 special lunch plates and food items like Kaju Katli, Jalebi and Date Roll.
12 lakhs spent on water bottles
Officials told the Municipal Corporation that these refreshments, including sweets, were given to the staff deployed during the operation and about 190 media persons during the press briefing at the site.
A huge expense was spent on drinking water. Drinking water bills worth lakhs of rupees are also being investigated. Bottled mineral water was arranged for about 4,800 employees deployed during the demolition drive and a separate bill of Rs 12.4 lakh was raised for it. Even for the arrangements for temporary tents and shelter, around Rs 10 lakh and Rs 9.94 lakh have been claimed.
Buy bottles worth Rs 3 for Rs 8
According to officials investigating the bills full of extravagant expenses, Rs 8 was taken from the Municipal Corporation for every 200 ml bottle of mineral water through rate contract. Whereas the price of premium round bottles is less than Rs 3 at wholesale and Rs 5 at standard retail stores.
Other expenses under review also include a claim of about Rs 22 lakh for videography, drone surveillance and camera services during the operation.
Standing Committee made SIT for investigation
The Standing Committee has also sought clarification on the payment process. According to officials, the food expenses were paid by the Flower and Garden Department while the bills related to drinking water and tent arrangements were paid by the Cultural Department. The committee is investigating whether prescribed financial procedures were followed during the payment.
At present, after the matter came to light, the outstanding payments related to the demolition drive have been stopped. The Standing Committee has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a detailed audit of the expenditure and probe whether any irregularities were committed in procurement, billing or approvals.
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