Rs 33L funds misused at Covid Care Centre in Ch’nagar district, govt sits on report

CHAMARAJANAGAR: Huge misuse of funds running into lakhs of rupees have been detected at a Covid Care Centre (CCC) in Hanur taluk, set up during the pandemic. However, the government is yet to take action despite a report being filed by the Assistant Commissioner five months ago.

The Covid Care Centre was set up last year and Rs 2.35 crore grant was provided. However, Rs 33.67 lakh was alleged to have been misused. A team headed by the assistant commissioner, which probed the matter, found that that fake bills were created and tender norms were flouted to swindle funds.

A probe revealed massive fund misuse.

Fake bills were generated showing purchase of food grains, sanitiser, toothpaste, toothbrush, brooms, dustbins, buckets and jugs from a computer centre. Surprisingly, even TVs, water heaters, water dispensers, dishes were shown as purchased from the computer centre.

The probe committee also found that there were discrepancies in the number of patients at the CCC and the quantity of food supplied and cheques were issued in the names of people who are not owners of restaurants. Also, tender norms were flouted in purchase of cotton and woollen bedsheets and were purchased at higher than the market price in violation of the district deputy commissioner’s directives.

However, even five months after the report was submitted, the government is yet to take action against the erring officials.

Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal.

Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal, however, said, “We had also sought a report from the Audit and Accounts Department. We will take action as per regulations. There were several complaints against the tahsildar in Hanur. He was sent on leave in May-June and alternative arrangements were made. We will examine the AC’s report and take action”.