Thiruvananthapuram, July 13 (IANS) Kerala’s much-publicised ‘Break the Chain’ Covid-19 campaign has come under fresh scrutiny after a Finance Department inspection reportedly uncovered serious procedural and financial irregularities in the implementation of the programme and recommended departmental disciplinary proceedings against former Social Security Mission Executive Director Dr Mohammed Asheel.

According to the inspection report, the Rs 4.89-crore campaign was executed without adhering to mandatory tender procedures, while several expenditure claims were allegedly unsupported by proper bills or documentary evidence.

The report also contends that the Social Security Mission had not been officially entrusted with implementing the programme, raising questions over the manner in which funds were utilised during the pandemic.

Among the key findings are alleged irregularities in the procurement of kiosks and the manufacture of masks and sanitisers.

The report states that the Prison Department was permitted to manufacture sanitisers without the required government licence and received an advance of Rs 33 lakh.

It further alleges that Rs 44.63 lakh was advanced to district coordinators without following prescribed procedures, while Rs 19.64 lakh spent on renovating a video conferencing hall also violated financial norms.

The inspection reportedly found that a substantial portion of the expenditure was supported only by handwritten vouchers without GST details, making verification difficult.

However, the report stops short of accusing Dr Asheel of personal financial gain, instead holding him responsible for serious violations of financial rules and administrative procedures.

The revelations assume significance as they come against the backdrop of earlier controversies surrounding Covid-era procurements, including allegations relating to PPE kit purchases, reviving political debate over the previous Left government’s handling of pandemic-related expenditure.

Dr Asheel has strongly disputed the findings, maintaining that the expenditure was incurred under the special financial powers available during the Covid emergency, when conventional tender procedures were exempted in view of the unprecedented public health crisis.

He has argued that approvals obtained through the competent minister after procurement were legally valid and accused the inspection team of ignoring emergency provisions and failing to examine relevant records before preparing the report.

In a representation to the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Dr Asheel has sought withdrawal of the report, assured full cooperation with the inquiry and requested that disciplinary proceedings be deferred until a final decision is taken.

Former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja also defended the former official, saying the programme had been implemented by an entire department rather than an individual.

Stressing that the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic required swift administrative decisions, she said all actions were properly documented and expressed confidence that all questions will be answered.

–IANS

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