Narayana announces probe into TIDCO irregularities

Vijayawada:Municipal administration minister P. Narayana announced in the State Legislative Assembly that the AP government will order an investigation into the irregularities in TIDCO (Township and Infrastructure Development Corporation) housing committed during the previous YSRC regime.

Replying to a short discussion on malpractices in TIDCO houses following a notice given by 18 MLAs, he reassured that the Telugu Desam government is focused on expediting the construction of TIDCO houses.

The minister disclosed that efforts are being made to secure ₹5,200 crore in loans from HUDCO or other banks. He said an investigation will be held into the irregularities in selection of beneficiaries and payments of DDs to banks during the previous government's tenure.

Narayana explained that under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, significant efforts are being made to provide homes to the underprivileged by designing housing projects as per the gated community concept. He pointed out that the state government has secured approval from the central government for constructing 7,14,481 houses.

Both the central and state governments are contributing ₹1.5 lakh each per house, in addition to providing ₹90,000 per house for infrastructure development, he said.

The minister said as per the original designs of central government, houses had been planned on 300-square-feet plots. But some beneficiaries had requested larger homes, with some seeking 360 and 430 square feet units. It cost ₹5.65 lakh for a 300 square-feet house, ₹6.65 lakh for a 360 square-feet house, and ₹7.65 lakh for a 430 square feet house.

Narayana said contractors are awaiting payment of ₹540 crore in pending bills. He said a committee will be formed to resolve the issues with contractors.

The minister mentioned that there is an investigation going on into the removal of some beneficiaries from the housing list, apart from cases where DDs had been paid but not deposited in banks.