Relief of Rs 2.35 crore was extended in excess in respect of 969 and 597 FRP catamarans in Villupuram and Cuddalore at the rate of Rs 40,000, instead of Rs 25,000 applicable to them.
CHENNAI: Gross irregularities, including payment of relief to unaffected persons in violation of the Centre's guidelines and in excess of prescribed norms were committed in tsunami relief works by the AIADMK government, a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India said on Wednesday.
"Funds amounting to Rs 28.78 crore were drawn from the calamity relief fund towards various activities not prescribed by the Union government's guidelines or in excess of prescribed norms", the report said.
The report said that irregular relief of Rs 33.60 lakh was extended to fishermen for unverified claims of damage to 168 boats in Samanthanpettai village of Nagappatinam district.
"The number of catamarans registered with the fisheries department in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore and Villupuram was 10,209, whereas the number of catamarans to which relief for damages extended were 13,539. This clearly indicates that Rs 6.38 crore was given to 3,330 unregistered catamarans. The basis on which this relief was given could not be verified."
Relief of Rs 2.35 crore was extended in excess in respect of 969 and 597 FRP catamarans in Villupuram and Cuddalore at the rate of Rs 40,000, instead of Rs 25,000 applicable to them.
In Kanyakumari district, 1,18,350 families were given assistance including sarees, dhotis, 60 kg rice, bedsheets, kerosene, Rs 1,000 for condiments, oils, pulses and Rs 1000 for utensils and Rs 2000 to put up huts. But the number of houses damaged was only 59,803 and Rs 9.47 crore was paid in excess, the report said.
The report said relief was extended to 5,416 catamarans in Nagapattinam district without verification. Fishing net subsidy was extended to 819 fishermen in Villupuram and Cuddalore districts at the rate of Rs 10,000 each without verification of the authenticity of the claims.
The amount of Rs 21 lakh extended to 210 fishermen in Sothikuppam village in Cuddalore was irregular as fishing net subsidies were released to them, though they did not have catamarans.
Incorrect initial assessment of required funds resulted in release of excess funds and consequent retention of Rs 88.89 crore without requirement by the fisheries department, District Collector and Chennai Port Trust, it said.
The report said that improper selection of sites for temporary shelters resulted in unfruitful expenditure while delay in construction of permanent houses necessitated continued maintenance of temporary shelters.
The Centre issued orders in 1999 to take up demarcation of the Coastal Regulation Zone by fixing stone pillars on the high tide and low tide lines along the coast. But the state government sanctioned Rs 12.5 crore for the purpose after the Tsunami only in October 2005.
The report recommended that activities and cost prescribed by the Centre in their guidelines on calamity relief fund be adhered to. Expenditure on activities not covered under the guidelines and the expenditure over and above the norms should be met with state funds.
The initial assessment of eligible beneficiaries or requirement of funds for relief activities should be made as accurately as possible, based on the basic records available, it said.
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