First cargo at Vizhinjam: Govt spent 161 Mn on promo activities
PORTS & SHIPPING

First cargo at Vizhinjam: Govt spent 161 Mn on promo activities

The government, despite its fundamental duty to execute development and welfare programmes, displays no remorse in squandering substantial sums of public money on publicising every endeavour it undertakes while essential necessities are consigned to the back burner due to a severe fiscal predicament.

In the most recent instance, the government spent Rs 161 million on promotional activities for the inauguration of the arrival of the first cargo vessel San Fernando at the Vizhinjam Port, on July 11, 2024. This expenditure arises at a juncture when the state is grappling with immense financial adversity, striving to fulfil basic obligations such as disbursing salaries, pensions, and a backlog of outstanding bills and arrears.

The breakdown of the promotional costs for the port event discloses that Rs 127 million was allocated for newspaper advertisements, Rs 19 lakh for theatre promotions, Rs 7 lakh for social media campaigns, Rs 6.87 lakh for temporary signage, and Rs 1.03 lakh for printing brochures. Critics contend that this spending is not only excessive but also misplaced, given the pressing financial challenges confronting the state.

The financial strain on the state has reached critical levels. With the introduction of treasury controls, there are burgeoning concerns that the state administration could grind to a halt, as even minor payments are now encountering delays. The government has already decided to slash Plan funds by 50%, indicating a drastic reduction in funding for development projects. Furthermore, it has proclaimed a review of all projects surpassing Rs 100 million to assess their necessity, a move that underscores the urgency of the financial crisis.

In an endeavour to augment non-tax revenue, the state government has instructed all departments to increase fees for services rendered to the public. This decision has ignited further discontent among citizens who are already feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. Many are questioning why the government is spending lakhs on a PR event when essential services are at risk of being compromised.

The first mother ship arrived at Vizhinjam on July 11, commencing the trial operations of the port. The project is being promoted by the state government, in collaboration with Adani Group, for which the government entered into an agreement with the company in Aug 2015.

The government, despite its fundamental duty to execute development and welfare programmes, displays no remorse in squandering substantial sums of public money on publicising every endeavour it undertakes while essential necessities are consigned to the back burner due to a severe fiscal predicament. In the most recent instance, the government spent Rs 161 million on promotional activities for the inauguration of the arrival of the first cargo vessel San Fernando at the Vizhinjam Port, on July 11, 2024. This expenditure arises at a juncture when the state is grappling with immense financial adversity, striving to fulfil basic obligations such as disbursing salaries, pensions, and a backlog of outstanding bills and arrears. The breakdown of the promotional costs for the port event discloses that Rs 127 million was allocated for newspaper advertisements, Rs 19 lakh for theatre promotions, Rs 7 lakh for social media campaigns, Rs 6.87 lakh for temporary signage, and Rs 1.03 lakh for printing brochures. Critics contend that this spending is not only excessive but also misplaced, given the pressing financial challenges confronting the state. The financial strain on the state has reached critical levels. With the introduction of treasury controls, there are burgeoning concerns that the state administration could grind to a halt, as even minor payments are now encountering delays. The government has already decided to slash Plan funds by 50%, indicating a drastic reduction in funding for development projects. Furthermore, it has proclaimed a review of all projects surpassing Rs 100 million to assess their necessity, a move that underscores the urgency of the financial crisis. In an endeavour to augment non-tax revenue, the state government has instructed all departments to increase fees for services rendered to the public. This decision has ignited further discontent among citizens who are already feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. Many are questioning why the government is spending lakhs on a PR event when essential services are at risk of being compromised. The first mother ship arrived at Vizhinjam on July 11, commencing the trial operations of the port. The project is being promoted by the state government, in collaboration with Adani Group, for which the government entered into an agreement with the company in Aug 2015.

Next Story
Building Material

JSW Steel and POSCO to Invest ?650 Billion in Odisha Steel Plant

India's JSW Steel and South Korea's POSCO have announced plans to jointly invest ?650 billion (~$7.73 billion) in constructing a steel plant in Odisha. The plant, which will have an initial capacity of 5 million tons of steel annually, is part of their strategy to tap into India's rapidly growing steel market, fueled by its fast-paced economic expansion. The cooperation agreement was signed last week, although specific financial details were not disclosed. The initial investment for the project will be ?200 billion, with the plant expected to be operational by next year. Over the following thr..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India's EV Charging Market Set to Reach $3.7 Billion by 2030

India’s electric vehicle (EV) charging market is projected to grow to $3.7 billion by 2030, driven by increasing EV adoption and the need for efficient charging solutions. The sector is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%, supported by environmental concerns and fluctuating fuel prices. Globally, the EV charging infrastructure market is also experiencing significant growth, with revenues forecast to surge from $25.9 billion in 2023 to $164 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of approximately 12%. "Fast-charging technologies and battery-swapping solutions are esse..

Next Story
Resources

IIA Kerala to host SRC 2024 on November 29-30

The Southern Regional Conference (SRC) 2024, hosted by The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Kerala Chapter and organised by IIA Kannur Centre, will take place on November 29-30, 2024 at Vythiri Village Resort in Wayanad. This prestigious conference will bring together visionary architects from across the country  and beyond to foster a rich dialogue and exchange of innovative ideas in the field of architecture.The Southern Regional Conference serves as a premier platform for professional development, knowledge sharing, and networking within the architectural community. This year’s t..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000