UDF, LDF spar over audit report in Kalamassery municipality
The ruling United Democratic Front and the Opposition Left front in Kalamassery municipality have crossed swords over an audit report that had allegedly detected gaps in the financial management of the civic body.
The Opposition councillors blamed the ruling front for the fiasco whereas the ruling front has rejected the allegations while stating that they were ready for any investigation into the allegations.
The audit report for the fiscal 2023-24 of the municipality had pointed out that cheques for a total amount of about ₹2.3 crore deposited in various banks from April 2010 to January 2024 had not yet been reflected in the respective accounts. The report found that there was proof for having received the cheques, but it was not reflected in the relevant accounts.
The audit department found alleged shortcomings in the collection and agreements signed in connection with the allotment of buildings owned by the civic body and given on rent. There were no rent agreements for around 15 of the 58 buildings given on rent. The audit found that the software for rent collection had showed an arrear of about ₹39.4 lakh while the balance sheet had mentioned it as only ₹18. 5 lakh.
The ruling front rejected the allegations that funds were missing from the accounts of the civic body. They blamed the glitches in the government's K-Smart software for the alleged shortcomings mentioned in the audit report. It had claimed that the transfer of various funds was not reflected in the civic body's accounts owing to software issues.
The Left front has decided to hold an agitation against the alleged financial irregularities at the municipality office on May 29. It has also demanded an inquiry into the findings in the report. The ruling front has said that it was ready to face any inquiry into the allegations.
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