Andhra Pradesh Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu. (Photo: X)
Vijayawada: Minister for water resources Nimmala Ramanaidu said Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has ordered immediate payment of bills related to the Neeru-Chettu programme.
Addressing the media after a review meeting on the works done under the Neeru-Chettu programme and payment of pending bills in Vijayawada on Friday, Ramanaidu said Rs 695 crore are to be paid and they were trying to release Rs 259 crore immediately in the first phase. He said efforts are being made to release the remaining funds. He instructed officials to take steps to give priority to Neeru-Chettu payments.
The minister said vigilance cases will also be thoroughly reviewed and an appropriate action will be taken.
Ramanaidu alleged that the YSRC government had diverted funds without paying the bills. He also alleged that the Jagan Mohan Reddy government has not paid attention to the court orders for clearance of pending bills under the Neeru-Chettu programme.
He said many contractors have died by suicide due to non-payment of bills. He said that due to non-payment of bills on time as per the court orders, the authorities had to attend the court.
AP finance minister Payyavula Keshav, chief secretary (irrigation department) Sai Prasad and chief engineer Venkateswara Rao attended the meeting.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story
