Govt to initiate steps to recover money misappropriation

Puducherry, Apr 11(UNI) The Puducherry administration would take steps to recover the money misappropriated by a cashier attached to the electricity department here, Industries Minister V Vaithilingam told the legislative assembly today.

Replying to a question, the Chief Minister N Rangasamy said the cashier P Shanmughasundaram had misappropriated money to the tune of Rs 82,17,143 and a criminal case was registered against him.

A cash of Rs 13,87160 recovered from him and steps were taken to recover the balance to the tune of Rs 68 lakh, he added.

Mr Rangasamy said Mr Shanmughasundaram and and his superior Perumal were suspended with effect from May 6,2005 and May 24,2005 respectively.

Several members wondered why the government was reluctant to recover the money from him, since there was provision to attach the property of Government servants under Revenue Recovery Act.

They also alleged that that if a poor man fail to pay his power tariff of about Rs 500, his connection was being discontinued, while the government was reluctant to recover huge amount due to the electricity department.

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