Pinarayi makes ‘sadist’ jibe at CAG as KIIFB row widens

By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) cautioning that the borrowings made by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) would land the state in a debt lure, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated a bit of individuals with ‘sadist mentality’ was attempting to destabilise the monetary establishment. He stated such folks don’t need the state to progress however regardless of their efforts, the federal government won’t again out from the event initiatives funded by KIIFB.

The chief minister was delivering the presidential handle on the Chancellor’s Award presentation ceremony on the Raj Bhavan right here on Tuesday. It could also be famous that the primary public response by the CM on the KIIFB audit problem was within the presence of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Though he didn’t identify the CAG, the chief minister’s reference to ‘those who intend to defame KIIFB’ was seen as an oblique reference to the constitutional physique that handed important remarks in opposition to the monetary establishment.

In the State Finances Audit Report for the yr ended March 2020, which was tabled within the meeting final week, the CAG noticed that ‘off-budget’ borrowings made via entities comparable to KIIFB may considerably improve the state’s liabilities, main it right into a debt lure. The CAG additionally wished the state authorities to expose particulars of such borrowings within the finances.

Pinarayi reminded that the state’s monetary state of affairs was not strong and there have been inadequacies. However, if the federal government shies away from strengthening sectors together with training citing fund crunch, it might be an enormous crime in opposition to the long run generations. He added the state can not perform varied developmental actions via budgetary allocation alone.

“We need to tread new paths to achieve our objectives. It was through the utilisation of state funds as well as money mobilised by KIIFB that we could strengthen our public education system. The benefits of it are widely visible,” Pinarayi stated. 

Oppn’s KIIFB allegations primarily based on gossip: Fin Min

Pinarayi stated KIIFB funds could be used to strengthen the upper training sector as properly. “We need top-class faculty and the best infrastructure facilities in the higher education sector. Lab, library, hostel and other facilities should be ensured,” Pinarayi stated whereas underscoring the necessity for KIIFB’s backing in strengthening establishments of upper studying.

Continuing his criticism in opposition to the Opposition for elevating the KIIFB audit row, Finance Mini s ter Ok N Balagopal stated on Tuesday that allegations on ‘special audit findings’ had been primarily based on gossip. “The authorities hasn’t even obtained the draft audit report. The meeting topic committee wants to look at the ultimate report as soon as it’s submitted.

Before finishing all these procedures, accountable individuals just like the Opposition chief are levelling criticism primarily based on leaked info. They must suppose whether or not that is correct,” Balagopal advised reporters right here. The particular audit report, which is but to be made public, is learnt to comprise extra stringent criticism in opposition to KIIFB.

LDF GOVT VS CAG

Nov 2020 The then finance minister slammed CAG for terming KIIFB an unconstitutional association within the draft audit report

Jan 2021 Kerala meeting handed a decision eradicating elements of the CAG report that comprise criticism in opposition to KIIFB. Opposition UDF and BJP voted in opposition to the decision

Nov 2021 The new monetary audit report of CAG for 2019-20 tabled within the meeting retained nearly all criticism within the earlier yr’s audit