Hyderabad, August 10: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao has sought cancellation of the proposed PM Ekta Mall tender in Hyderabad’s Raidurg.
KTR has also demanded an independent inquiry into alleged financial irregularities in the project. He raised the allegations in a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The project receives nearly Rs 202 crore in central financial assistance through the Department of Expenditure. KTR alleged that the Telangana government was misusing public funds and framing tender conditions to benefit private developers.
According to KTR, the project covers 6.30 acres of prime government land in Raidurg. The estimated project cost stands at about Rs 2,059.81 crore, excluding the value of the land.
The proposed development has a built up area of around 27 lakh square feet. KTR claimed that the government would receive only nine lakh square feet under the project arrangement.
In contrast, he alleged that the private developer would receive 18 lakh square feet. He questioned the rationale behind giving the developer twice the built up area allocated to the government.
KTR said a consortium led by Vamsiram Builders and Developers, along with Aparna Infra Housing, secured the tender.
He also raised concerns over the proposed use of central funds under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.
The BRS leader alleged that the Telangana Trade Promotion Corporation planned to route a nearly Rs 200 crore interest free central loan to the private developer through a back to back arrangement.
KTR claimed that such a transfer would violate the rules governing the central funding scheme. He urged the Union government to examine the financial structure before releasing further funds.
He further alleged that the PM Ekta Mall name was being used to shield non transparent agreements. He called for immediate action from the Centre.
KTR demanded that the tender be cancelled without delay. He also sought a halt to any further release of central funds for the project.
Furthermore, he requested an investigation by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) or another independent agency.
The proposed inquiry, according to KTR, should examine the value of the government land. It should also review the project’s financial model, tender conditions and details of the beneficiaries.
KTR said public assets belong to citizens and should not serve private financial interests. He said the BRS would oppose any arrangement that allegedly transfers public resources to private parties.
The allegations made by KTR concern the project’s tender structure and funding arrangements. The claims require verification by the concerned government departments and independent authorities. (Maxim News)
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