In the midst of a deepening financial crisis in the state, the government’s allocation of funds to party centers is drawing criticism, particularly as essential services like welfare pensions remain stalled. The Department of Tourism has sanctioned Rs 5 lakh from the government exchequer for the souvenir of the CITU state conference, fuelling public discontent.
The souvenir exhibition took place during the state conference held in Kozhikode from December 17th to 19th 2022. The financial requirements for the program exceeded the budgetary limits of the director, prompting government intervention and the subsequent sanctioning of funds.
This move follows earlier reports of the Tourism Department allocating Rs 50,000 for souvenirs of the CPI(M) local committee, associated with the inauguration of the East local committee office in Mavilayi. The Pinarayi government faced considerable criticism after news of this allocation surfaced, with critics questioning the prioritization of expenditures amid pressing economic challenges.
Kerala government facing criticism for allocating funds
The Kerala government is facing criticism for allocating funds to a party programme while welfare pension services remain suspended in the state. Reports indicate that the tourism department has sanctioned Rs 50,000 for souvenir distribution at a CPI (M) local committee program. The funds were allocated in association with the inauguration of the local committee office in Mavilayi, Kannur.
It has been revealed that the government justified this allocation by citing the need for advertisements during a programme inaugurated by the Chief Minister. The souvenir was released alongside the inauguration of the local committee office in September 2023. Critics argue that the government is not hesitating to spend money on party programmes while essential services for the underprivileged, such as welfare pensions, remain stalled.
Courtesy – JanamTV
