KOCHI: Even though the Kochi Corporation is reeling under severe financial crunch, statistics show that the lethargic attitude of the civic body has resulted in a callous non utilisation of funds. For instance, the National Rural Health Mission’s (NRHM)funds up to the tune of Rs. 10,95,000 is yet to be utilised by the councillors of the Kochi Corporation. These funds, allotted for the pre-monsoon cleaning, are mainly used for de-clogging of canals and drains in the city and for fogging, to prevent mosquito breeding.The NRHM gives Rs 10,000 for each division in the corporation every year, which are released in two installments. In 2010, during the tenure of the last Council, the first installment of Rs. 5,000 was claimed by the then councillors. However, they were unable to claim the second installment owing to the election code of conduct and the change in Council.When asked about the funds going to waste, a top official from the NRHM informed that the councillors were yet to submit details of the funds. “To claim the second installment, councillors have to show how they expended at least eighty per cent of the released funds. A majority are yet to submit them,” added the official.This has resulted in the non allocation of NRHM funds this year . This includes last year’s pending Rs. 5,000 and this year’s Rs. 15,000. “The funds are transferred to a joint account opened by the respective division councillors and the health inspectors of that ward. A majority of the councillors of the present council have not even opened an account,” added the official. During the tenure of last Council, there were only 71 divisions under the Kochi corporation, among which, funds were claimed by 70 divisions.At present there are 74 divisions under the civic body. Recently, NRHM District Project officer K V Beena had informed the Mayor and Health standing committee members about the non-submission of fund utilisation details. However, as we report, the details are yet to be submitted by the councillors.
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