Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 8: Former MLC Ivan D'Souza demanded Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or Lokayukta probe into the alleged irregularities in the Smart City Project.

Addressing media here on Thursday, October 8, he said, "The estimated cost of Smart City Project has increased three times more than the previous estimated cost of the project. The public is suspicious over the estimated cost and DPR of Smart City Project undertaken. There are a lot of irregularities in the Smart City Project which has to be probed by either ACB or Lokayukta."

Ivan alleged that even in two years after the project commenced, none of the projects are completed and demanded a public audit. "It has been two years since the Smart City Project was undertaken. None of the projects have been completed so far. There has to be discussion over the projects completed and cost spent so far on the project. There has to be public accountability," Ivan said.

He further said, "The development of Mahakaali Padpu worth Rs 40 crore is still pending which has not been undertaken yet and even the land acquisition is yet to be done."

He also questioned MLA Vedavyasa Kamath on why it was not possible to handover houses to 916 families under Ashraya scheme. Two years ago, the then Congress government had allotted houses for 916 beneficiaries under Ashraya scheme and even after two years the houses have not been handed over to the beneficiaries.

"It shows that they do not have any concern towards the poor in providing houses. Even an order was issued to revise the entire list of beneficiaries which indicates some political angle in providing houses," the former MLC said.

MCC opposition leader Abdul Rauf, corporator Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.