Minister denies misappropriation in house construction

Hyderabad, Aug 28 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration and Urban Development K Ranga Rao today denied misappropriation in the construction of 176 'classic houses' by the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA).

Replying to a question raised by Mr B Kamalakar Rao(Cong) during Question Hour, the Miniser said there were no deviations in quality and quantity in the houses constructed.

However, certain procedural lapses like short collection of seigniorage charges, release of 90 per cent advance towards materials at site, mobilisation of advance and non allotment of 15 houses were brought to the government's notice by the Vigilance and Enforcement (VE) Department.

The department recommended explanation from VUDA Vice-Chairman and Chief Engineer apart from warning town planning staff and civil engineers. No disciplinary action had been recommended.

The explanations had been received by the government and they were under examination.

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