Kerala "diverted" tsunami funds

THE Kerala government has been accused of diverting Rs 8 crores from the tsunami relief fund it collected.
Both the opposition and the judicialry have sought explanations from the government on the diversion.
The issue was brought to light on August 3,with the Lokayukta asking the government to explain how itspent the money in the tsunami relief relief fund. The Lokayukta was hearing a petition filed by a tsunami victim who complained that the government diverted funds for other purposes.
Much tothe goverments's discomfiture, the Kerala High Court intervened in the issue on Aug.4 and asked the Lokayukta to contact a detailed probe while admitting a public inerest petition. The government also faceda barrage of criticism in the Assembly from the CPI(M)-led Opposition,which staged a walkout after accusing it of behaving irresponsibly.
Kerala chief ministerOommen Chandy said the government had received Rs 40 crores for the tsunami relief fund and of thisit had spent Rs 36 crores. Of the rupees 36 crores, Rs 27 croes was spent on tsunami rerlief activities. "We will explain to the Lokayukta how the rest of the funds were utilised." he said.
Moving an adjournment motion on the issue, Mr Benoy Vishwam of the CPI said the Lokayukta's order was nothing short of an indictment of the government. Mr Chandy,however,pointed out that the Lokayukta had merely sought details of the funds spent. After walking out of the House,the leader of the Opposition,V.S.Achuthanandan in the House told the media that Chandy's replies were vague and misleading. Meanwhile Water Resources ministerTiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan admitted that the funds had been diverted to give relief to farmers who suffered severe crop losses."There isnothing wrong in that,"he said.