The Hindu 10.12.2010
GVMC urged to open escrow account
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.
