Karshika Karma Sena funds getting diverted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The much successful Karshika Karma Sena launched by the previous UDF Government in 205 panchayats is facing issues with a section of Kudapanakunnu Krishi Bhavan officials channelising funds in their favour.  More than 40 KKS workers had toiled hard at the Mental Health Centre at Oolampara here during March – April on more than 75 cents. A top agriculture department official told DC that the Krishi Bhavan officials misled the MHC officials and channelised the funds.

MHC officials decided to set up vegetable farming on their vast 36-acre campus. 
An agriculture department official told DC that MHC superintendent Dr T. Sagar had sought advice on farming on more than 75 cents of land there.  Accordingly, the work was taken up by Kudappanakunnu Krishi Bhavan for Rs 1.50 lakh. “So far only Rs 15, 000 was issued towards KKS where more than 40 workers toiled hard for two and a half weeks to set up the farm. The remaining Rs 1.35 lakh has been given in favour of Krishi Bhavan officials. If this is how they work then very soon it would be the death knell for KKS where the due funds meant for it is being channelised elsewhere,” said an agriculture department official.

Agriculture officer Jacob Joy denied knowing about this issue to DC and passed the buck before the KKS secretary Vijayakumaran Nair.  The latter told DC that already Rs 10, 000 have been remitted in the bank account of KKS and the remaining money would soon be received. Initially, it was decided to set up the vegetable farming atop the third floor. But when they realised that it would be dangerous for inmates at the MHC to work on the terrace, they suggested the 75-cents area initially.  Dr Sagar said the funds had been transferred to KKS as per the office procedure and stock purchase rules. “We aimed at improving mental wellbeing of patients here. They will care for plants," he told DC. "We have strictly followed government procedures while transferring funds.”