Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 7: "The Smart City project being implemented in the city has become a hub of confusions. Crores of rupees sanctioned under the scheme get misappropriated. Therefore, the state government should immediately appoint a full time managing director and form advisory committee to bring the project on track," demanded Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament, Nalin Kumar Kateel.

Nalin noted that the motive behind the central government's Smart City project is to achieve integrated development of the respective cities. "A look at the current state of affairs gives a feeling that the project being implemented here has lost its way and forgotten its goal. The district in-charge minister is contemplating to spend Rs 15 crore out of this project to build a slaughterhouse," he noted.

Nalin said that contract for works under the scheme are being awarded by quoting higher prices than those prevailing in the market. He noted that none of the projects undertaken under this project has been completed so far. He said that he will raise the topic about the possibility of funds being misappropriated in the next session of the Parliament.

In a press release, the MP has urged the chief minister of the state to convene an emergency meeting on the subject and provide suitable guidance to officials.