Kochi : Opposition councillors in Aluva municipality have raised objections to the council agenda for utilising Rs 7.14 crore received under the 16th Finance Commission grant for 2026-27, alleging large-scale irregularities, violations of guidelines and wasteful expenditure.
It questioned the proposed allocation of Rs 2 crore for an STP plant at Priyadarshini and Mahatma Gandhi town hall premises, instead of renovating the non-functional facilities. The opposition also alleged that Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh from tied funds were proposed for installing LED walls in front of the municipal office and at the municipal park. Funds were also earmarked for tiling work in front of 40 shops being constructed at the private bus stand.
Leader of the opposition Shyam Padmanabhan said the agenda proposed diverting funds in violation of prescribed norms. “Moreover Rs 3.57 crore under the untied fund was being allocated to projects of little public importance, while no funds had been earmarked to address severe waterlogging and potholes on roads,” Padmanabhan said. The opposition said it would file formal complaints with the district planning committee and the audit department, adding that it would not allow the alleged misuse of funds meant to address flooding and waste management issues.
Left councillors submitted a dissent note against the agenda and staged a protest. The opposition alleged that the municipality was planning to divert tied funds, which must be used exclusively for sanitation, waste management, and drinking water projects.