Latest news with #Chennithala
The Hindu
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
PM-KUSUM scheme: Anert CEO refutes Chennithala's allegations
The implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme in Kerala was audited by the Principal Accountant General (PAG), Kerala, in September 2023, and no adverse findings were reported, Narendra Nath Veluri, chief executive officer, Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert), has said. Responding to The Hindu on Friday to the corruption allegations levelled by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala against Anert in the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, Mr. Veluri said Anert considers the audit by a constitutional authority 'a key validation of procedural and financial compliance.' He further added that the PM-KUSUM scheme in Kerala is being implemented in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the financial protocols of the State government. PM-KUSUM is designed to help farmers access solar power for irrigation and decarbonise agriculture. Anert refuted Mr. Chennithala's allegation that the Anert CEO had invited tenders worth ₹240 crore for the project despite being authorised to invite tenders valued up to ₹5 crore. The tenders referred to are for the empanelment of vendors and discovery of unit rates for solar pump systems, not for the award of ₹240 crore worth of work, according to the Anert CEO. The unit price discovered from empanelled vendors through this process ranged from ₹2.3 lakh to ₹1 crore, depending on pump capacity, specifications, and type. 'This price discovery and empanelment mechanism is standard practice under Centrally sponsored schemes such as PM-KUSUM, and is adopted by all other State implementing agencies across the country,' he said. On the demands for further scrutiny and audits, the Anert CEO said that the recent audit by the PAG provides strong assurance of procedural integrity. 'Whether further scrutiny above Principal Accountant General will be required will be decided by competent authorities,' he said. Mr. Chennithala had demanded urgent intervention by the Chief Minister, a probe by an Assembly committee and a forensic audit into what he described as irregularities in Anert.
United News of India
25-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Kerala Power Department a syndicate of corruption: Ramesh Chennithala
Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 (UNI) Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has alleged that the Kerala Power Department took a loan of Rs 175 crore from NABARD under the guise of a solar project to facilitate corruption, with the support of a secretive group within ANERT. In a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, AICC Working Committee member Chennithala said the Power Department has become a 'syndicate of corruption' operating with borrowed funds. The former Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly also demanded a forensic audit and a Legislative Committee probe into a major corruption scandal worth over Rs 100 crore in ANERT, a public sector institution, related to the Central Government's PM-KUSUM scheme- intended to provide farmers with free solar-powered pumps. "Simultaneously, due to the failure to utilize funds allocated by the Centre under the KUSUM scheme, the government was forced to return unutilized amounts. Irregularities worth crores have also occurred in the Thiruvananthapuram Smart City project—not just in the KUSUM scheme," he pointed out. Chennithala alleged that the ANERT CEO, who is only authorized to issue tenders up to Rs 5 crore, issued a tender worth Rs 240 crore for the project. "Despite my repeated demands, the Power Minister has refused to clarify who approved this tender. It is impossible for such a large tender to proceed without the minister's knowledge. The circumstances behind this approval must be made public," he said. He also noted that the first tender—which had a lower quoted amount- was cancelled, and a second tender was floated. "The reason for cancelling the first tender needs to be disclosed," he demanded. "The second tender received quotes up to 145% higher than the base price fixed by the Centre. This must be explained. Contracts were awarded at amounts higher than several of the submitted bids," he added. Even after the tenders were opened, modifications were made—serious procedural violations, Chennithala alleged. "These actions were carried out by the CEO in collusion with a temporary employee close to him. It must be investigated on whose instructions this was done." He also pointed to irregularities in consultancy appointments. "The government has a clear protocol for appointing consultancy firms. But ANERT blatantly violated these rules. A temporary employee at ANERT was appointed—on special recommendation—in a consulting firm (EY), in a manner reminiscent of the Swapna Suresh model." "Based on the CEO's recommendation, this individual resigned from ANERT and was immediately reappointed as a consultant to ANERT by EY, as confirmed by an email from the firm. These are unheard-of and highly irregular practices." Chennithala claimed that a secret group consisting of temporary employees and EY consultants operated in coordination with the ANERT CEO, bypassing the institution's Finance Department. "Such massive irregularities would not have been possible without the full backing of the Power Minister." "The CEO acted far beyond his official jurisdiction. Sensitive matters like the opening of tenders were handled entirely by temporary staff and the consulting firm EY, sidelining the Finance Department. It is evident that these actions were taken with the intent to commit corruption," he said. "Yet, the Power Minister has not even had the decency to suspend the ANERT CEO or order a proper investigation. It is now clear beyond doubt that the Power Minister himself is involved in this corruption." "Since the department refuses to initiate an inquiry, I urge the Chief Minister to personally intervene and take strong action." "We have learned through media reports that the Finance Department conducted a 'lightning inspection' at ANERT. This is nothing but a mockery. Such token actions cannot cover up the serious irregularities committed." Chennithala demanded that all transactions carried out by ANERT over the past five years be subjected to a forensic audit by an independent agency. "The Legislative Committee must also be entrusted with an inquiry. Only then can the full extent of the corruption be revealed. Despite the government's financial constraints, the Power Department took a ₹175 crore loan from NABARD to facilitate this corruption," his letter said. "I hope you will act swiftly and take the necessary steps in this matter. The ANERT CEO should be suspended immediately, and all transactions must be reviewed and subjected to a forensic audit," he concluded. UNI DS RKM
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
V.S. Achuthanandan, not just a leader but a legacy
Kerala has bid farewell to its last idealist of communist politics. Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan — VS, as we all knew him — was more than just a leader. He was a living legend. Perhaps the last of the unblemished, unwavering icons of the communist movement. On the outside, he came across as stern, tough, and uncompromising. Harsh labels followed him — often not just from political rivals, but even from within his own party. The media, too, painted him in shades of rigidity. But those who truly knew him saw another VS — a man of rare affection, quiet care, disarming warmth, and deep humanity. I was fortunate to witness this side of him, away from the headlines and public image. His name echoed through my childhood. Long before my political journey began as a Kerala Students Union worker at Chennithala, he had already become a household name —known across Kerala for his leadership during the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle. As a boy, I would listen to his speeches with rapt attention — the cadence, the humour, the language—it all captivated me. Once, I asked him about his unique style of oratory. He smiled and said: 'When I began in politics, we had no microphones or stage lights. We'd speak under oil lamps, using rhythm, humour, and pauses to hold the crowd. That's how it became my style — just a way to keep people listening and thinking.' Even today, his oratory remains unmatched in Kerala—difficult to replicate, impossible to forget. As an MP, I had more chances to meet him personally — often during chance travels on trains and flights. Those journeys became windows into the man behind the public figure. We stood on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Our debates were spirited, sometimes fierce. Yet there was always mutual respect. Despite political clashes, he treated me with affection and civility—and I returned the same. As Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president, I met him often — in his roles as Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and as Chief Minister. Those conversations, even amid disagreement, only deepened our personal bond. Just recently, I visited SUT Hospital at Pattom to see him. I couldn't meet him, but spoke at length with his son, Arun Kumar, about his condition. Despite his rigid ideological stance, VS had a profound emotional depth. I remember especially the day T.P. Chandrasekharan was brutally murdered at Onchiyam. It was VS, the then Chief Minister, who visited his widow, K.K. Rema, and offered her solace. That one moment alone speaks volumes — challenging the image of him as unfeeling or distant. Now, a red star that illuminated Kerala's public life for nearly a century has dimmed. The space he leaves behind in our political conscience is vast. With his passing, Kerala has lost the last true reformist of the Left. With deep sorrow and abiding respect, I offer my tribute to the luminous memory of V.S. Achuthanandan. (writer is a permanent invitee to Congress Working Committee)
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Chennithala flags ‘irregularities' in Anert tender
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday renewed his allegation of large scale corruption in the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert). He accused Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and senior officials of being involved in alleged irregularities in a ₹240-crore tender issued by the agency. He also demanded the immediate removal of Anert CEO and called for a forensic audit of the agency's transactions over the past five years. For the fourth consecutive day, Mr. Chennithala released documents alleging misuse of power in tendering process and posed nine questions to Mr. Krishnankutty. 'The Minister cannot remain a mute spectator. This is not a private matter but one involving public money,' he told mediapersons in Kannur on Sunday. 'I made the allegation in public and any explanation must be given publicly and not behind closed doors with the Chief Minister,' he added. He alleged that a tender worth ₹240 crore was floated illegally despite the CEO's limit being ₹5 crore. 'How did the CEO get the authority? On whose order was this tender floated? If we get the answer to that, the real players behind the corruption will be exposed,' Mr. Chennithala said, adding that documents related to the tenders are in his possession. He further claimed that the CEO, a temporary employee and consultancy firm EY were at the centre of irregularites. A contract employees allegedly hired for the just 89 days, handled tender bids that should have been processed by the Finance department. This is a Swapna Suresh model appointment. The nexus involving the CEO, consultant and Minister's office is clear.' he alleged. 'Destruction of evidence' Mr. Chennithala also claimed that Anert's Finance department was deliberately kept in the dark. 'Since my revelations massive file destruction has begun inside Anert. Corruption evidence is being wiped out under the CEO's and consulting firm's leadership,' he alleged. Initially, the Minister said that the matter is being investigated by Electricity Secretary and a report will be submitted within 15 days. Later, the Minister told reporters said that since the Secretrary was not available, the Anert CEO himself will investigate and submit a report. He alleged that a ₹100-crore scam was perpetrated under the PM KUSUM solar scheme. It is a scheme for farmers, with 30% funding from the Centre, 30% from the State and the rest contributed by farmers. The government decided to borrow from NABARD due to insufficient funds. 'Without the knowledge of the Electricity Minister, how can such a massive decisions be taken? The responsibility lies with him too,' he said. He demanded that the Assembly constitute a committee to probe the allegations and called for a forensic audit by an independent agency. 'The CEO must be removed immediately to prevent further destruction of evidence,' Mr. Chennithala said. Responding to the allegations that Youth Congress workers collected funds through an app for the rehabilitation of people affected in Mundakayi, Wayanad, he hit back at the State government alleging a lack of transparency and accountability on its part in the utilisation of funds collected for the rehabilitation of people. Naveen Babu's death On the death of ADM Naveen Babu, Mr. Chennithala alleged that there has been a continuous effort to protect former district panchayat P.P. Divya. 'From the start the government machinery has tried to shield her. That is why the family had to approach the Supreme Court,' he said.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘ANERT corruption linked to illegal appointment', says Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday said the alleged corruption in ANERT had links with an illegal appointment there. Chennithala had recently demanded a comprehensive probe into alleged irregularities in the Rs 240-crore tender floated for installing solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The former Leader of Opposition said the executive assistant of ANERT was hired by a consultancy firm illegally. The firm hired him at a high salary and deputed him to ANERT as the CEO's executive assistant. The person had earlier assisted the CEO in the procedures to appoint the firm as ANERT's consultant, Chennithala said. 'This shows how the firm got the consultancy contract,' he said. Further, Chennithala said ANERT receives funds worth crores from the Union and state governments. 'None of the ANERT staff has a role in the tender procedures to spend these funds. Either temporary staffers or private consultancy firms are involved in such procedures,' he said.
