Ruckus over e-shops in council meet

The problem associated with the Kudumbasree’s e-shops sparked ruckus in the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation Council meeting on Thursday.

A calling attention motion brought in by SJD councillor N.C. Moyin Kutty, citing the illegalities in the contract drawn up for the e-shops, led to the discussions and blame games. Mr. Moyin Kutty said the council had not taken the decision to lease the land where the e-shops were located to the beneficiaries free of cost.

The sections of the contract that referred to the use of water and electricity repair of the bunks, articles sold there, and lease period were questioned. Mr. Moyinkutty said the Corporation official who drew out the contract was to blame and demanded action against the said official. He alleged corruption in the project and demanded that the council referred the case to the Vigilance Secretary.

Mayor A.K. Premajam said it was the Corporation’s responsibility to offer ground facilities to Kudumbasree’s CDSs. The e-shop project was approved by the Poverty Alleviation Action Committee as well as the Welfare Standing Committee. Meanwhile, Corporation Secretary E.K. Balraj said the council had not discussed the terms of lease of the land and hence it was not included in the contract.

He said the CDSs were independent bodies, even though they were under the council and added that any loopholes in the contract could be rectified, as they had been pointed out by the council.

The council also passed a resolution against the increase in electricity charges. The adjournment motion presented by CPI(M) councillor Sadasivan said the increase was unjust and should be repealed with immediate effect. Congress councillor Balagopal, who had also brought in a similar motion, demanded that the increase should be restricted to those who used over 200 units of power. The council later passed the 123 point agenda.