VIJAYAWADA: With reports of irregularities in conducting cultural events during Dasara festival last year coming to the fore, Kanaka Durga Temple Executive Officer V Koteswaramma is said to be contemplating requesting the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to inquire into the matter. The temple staff is accused of not maintaining proper records of the Rs 57 lakh spent on organising cultural events in 2017.
According to temple officials, Rs 8.39 crore was spent by the Devasthanam for conducting the nine-day festival at Indrakeeladri this year as against the Rs 13.62 crore spent in 2017. Since the State government did not sanction funds for organising the festival, V Koteswaramma implemented cost-cutting measures and brought down the expenditure by Rs 5 crore this year.
Of the total Rs 8.39 crore, the devasthanam has spent only Rs 5 lakh for organising cultural events this year as against the `37 lakh spent in 2017. A few days ago, the EO verified the details of an audit report on the festival expenditure submitted by the accounts department.
In the report, the officials mentioned that Rs 13.62 crore was spent on Dasara festivities in 2017, out of which Rs 4.6 crore was spent on procuring things required to conduct pooja and Rs 2.78 crore on engineering and maintenance works. Suspecting foul play on the part of the officials, the EO directed them to submit records pertaining to cultural events, for which Rs 37 lakh was spent.
However, the officials concerned failed to submit the required bills and records, sources said. “To bring to light the facts and correct figures pertaining to last year’s celebrations, we are mulling whether an ACB inquiry should be conducted in the issue,” Koteswaramma said.
According to sources, the administration suspects four employees who were recently suspended in connection with memento scam, including assistant executive officer S Achyutha Ramaiah, of playing a role in the irregularities.
Recently, temple trust board chairperson Y Gouranga Babu also appealed to V Koteswaramma to conduct an inquiry into the issue and initiate action against the staff if they’re found guilty.
Staff under scanner
According to sources, the administration suspects four employees who were recently suspended in connection with memento scam, including assistant executive officer S Achyuth Ramaiah, of playing a role in the irregularities. The board chairperson Y Gouranga Babu also appealed to V Koteswaramma to conduct an inquiry into the issue and initiate action against the staff if they’re proved guilty.