K Chandrasekhar Rao asks Collectors to probe irregularities in housing scheme

HYDERABAD: Disclosing that Rs 235 crore was found to have been misappropriated in the weaker sections' housing scheme in Telangana, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today directed district Collectors to conduct a thorough inquiry into the scheme to "break all housing scandals".

"A random survey conducted in just 593 villages in Telangana revealed that Rs 235 crore was swindled in the housing programme. While the total number of households in Telangana is 84 lakh, records showed that 55 lakh houses were constructed so far, including refurbishment of old ones. Do we need to construct more houses for the weaker sections?" Rao questioned.

He was speaking at a high-level workshop attended by his Cabinet colleagues, top bureaucrats, heads of departments, district Collectors and other officials here today.

In the 593 villages where the random survey was conducted, there were no houses (built) nor were there any beneficiaries.

"If the housing programme continues like this, thousands of crores of public money will go down the drain. All housing scandals need to be broken and the guilty should be sent to jail. The District Collectors should act tough in this regard," he directed.

The Chief Minister, however, asserted that his government was committed to keeping its promise of building a two-bedroom flat each for the homeless poor.

Referring to the civil supplies scheme, he said 1.07 crore ration cards were issued in Telangana whereas the total number of households was just 84 lakh.

"As many as 91 lakh white ration cards (for below poverty line families) were issued, besides 1.5 lakh Antyodaya cards and 15 lakh pink cards. In all, 23 lakh cards have been issued in excess of the existing households. Where is this rice and other ration going? This is a big scandal...needs a serious relook," he said