The Hindu 10.12.2010
GVMC urged to open escrow account
Special Correspondent
VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has
collected about Rs. 86 crore under the Building Penalisation Scheme till
November-end and expects to bring another 1500 applicants under the
scheme with the scheme getting extension till December-end.
Forum for Better Visakha convener E.A.S. Sarma in a letter to the
Municipal Commissioner has demanded opening of an escrow account for
spending of the amount exclusively for the development of the area as
per Government guidelines.
The Clause 13 (1) of GO.Ms No.901, of December 31, 2007 on the subject, says: “Amount levied would be kept in separate account:
The amount collected by the Competent Authority under these rules
shall be kept and maintained under the control of the authority in a
separate escrow account and utilised only for improvement of amenities
in the area.”
He requested the GVMC to ensure that the amount was kept in a
separate escrow account and used specifically for the purpose it was
meant for.
The corporation had collected Rs.4 crore during a week ending November 15, when the scheme was to come to an end.
Another 4,100 applications were to be disposed of. by November-end,
which would bring a good amount to the GVMC and that should not be
merged with general funds, he added.
While the GVMC was taking up a drive knocking on the doors of
applicants, who had not approached them but were potential applicants,
he also wanted all those who had failed to comply with the BPS to be
proceeded against without delay.