AIADMK demands CBI probe into misuse of funds for girl children

AIADMK urges CBI probe into funds misappropriation in Puducherry, demands transparency in welfare schemes and accountability for derogatory remarks.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has urged Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to order a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for girl children in Puducherry.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Puducherry AIADMK secretary A. Anbalagan said reports had surfaced about the misappropriation of around ₹65 lakh by an Upper Division Clerk (UDC) in the Department of Women and Child Development.

An officer in the category of UDC alone cannot swindle so much government funds without internal support. The Lt. Governor and Chief Minister should order a CBI probe to find out the truth, the AIADMK leader said.

There are reports of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes not getting money under the Direct Benefit Transfer mode. The government had claimed it would release ₹182 crore as Cyclone Fengal assistance but many affected persons have not received the compensation, he says.

“In order to bring clarity and transparency, the government should publish the list of beneficiaries of each of the welfare schemes on the websites of the concerned departments. The names of the beneficiaries who have received funds should also be made public,” he said.

Later in the day, Mr. Anbalagan led a protest against Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy for his derogatory remarks against women. AIADMK workers staged the protest near Kamban Kalaiarangam, demanding Mr. Ponmudy’s removal from the cabinet.