COIMBATORE: Revenue Minister K A Sengottaiyan on Friday said the alleged irregularities in the Rs 209-crore Semmozhi Poonga project in Coimbatore occurred during the previous DMK regime and that the new government is taking steps on such issues.
Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore airport, Sengottaiyan was responding to a question raised by the Congress in the Coimbatore corporation council meeting on Friday. The Congress had alleged irregularities exceeding Rs 40 crore in the Semmozhi Poonga project. "It had happened in the previous regime. The new government has only been formed now. We have been taking steps on such issues. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is conscious that such issues should not happen in his government," Sengottaiyan said.
On questions regarding the many tenders floated by the municipal administration department that were scrapped by the new government, Sengottaiyan said tenders already issued cannot be scrapped without proper reasons. "There should be some reason, like those might have been floated for additional estimation. As it is the CM's own department, he will take clear decisions," he said.
The minister also expressed happiness over omni bus operators coming forward to operate their buses at the fare fixed for government buses. He credited the current corruption-free Regional Transport Office (RTO) administration for the decision.
"Earlier they were forced to pay an additional amount to run their buses, but that has changed now and they can operate their buses without spending a single extra rupee. So they have came forward to adopt the fare fixed by the government and this will help in the country's development," he said.
Sengottaiyan further said the government is taking speedy and steady measures for the state's development. "Along with Kerala state, we have been taking steps to eliminate narcotics usage from society. The CM will take decisions in this regard step by step," he added.
Replying to a question about the Rs 100-crore controversy over the alleged fraudulent registration of 1.4 acres of land belonging to Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt in Palani to private individuals, he said, "Whoever was involved in it, they will be brought to light over a period of time."
