US study team on ’Smart city’ expenses Rs.70 lakhs objected to

US study team on ’Smart city’ expenses Rs.70 lakhs objected to

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June  01, 2015: Raising  issues during the meeting of the MCC council on May 30, Saturday,  Councillor Abdul Rauf questioned the mighty treatment provided by the MCC- Mangaluru City Corporation to a team from the US who came to the city for a study on the proposed Smart City project of the Union government.   Rauf said officials from the MCC were deputed to receive the three-member research team from Bloomberg Philanthropies on March 24. The MCC bore expenses of Rs. 70 lakh for their stay and entertainment during  their three-day visit.

 Councillor Rauf claimed there was no official communication to MCC Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati about the visit of the team comprising Randy Plemel, Alex Gallanfent and Shruti Ramaih. How can such a lavish  treatment be given to this team that has no official sanction, he questioned.

Mayor Jacinta Vijay Alfred ordered an inquiry and said the expenses, if found illegal, would be recovered from the officials concerned.

MCC Commissioner  Korlapati  in a statement mentioned that it was the Urban Development Department Secretary Anil Kumar who had briefed  her about the visit of the team that is compiling a report about the Smart City project to the Centre.

Hospitality required for a visiting team was accordingly provided. Officials deputed to be with the team were those who were in a position to give required information.  She said the file on the visit of the team and the expenses had been placed before the Mayor, who had approved it. The Mayor and other councillors held a discussion with the US team as well.