‘Civic  bodies’ income delinked from CFMS’

Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA & UD), P Narayana, has revealed that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has agreed to allocate the income generated within Municipalities and Corporations for their respective development projects. This income can now be utilised independently without being linked to the Comprehensive Financial Management System (CFMS).
Minister Narayana, accompanied by Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rama Mohana Rao, inaugurated a newly established gym at the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) Park in the Veterinary Colony of the 4th division on Monday. During the event, he actively participated in exercises and cycling at the gym.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Narayana alleged that the previous YSRCP government had redirected approximately Rs 1,900 crore, intended for various Municipalities under CFMS, to other purposes. This diversion, he claimed, led to halted development in many Municipalities across the state. He criticised the previous government’s negligence, which resulted in the central government withholding funds worth crores of rupees meant for municipal development.
Minister Narayana further mentioned that around Rs 50,000 crore was allocated to the State, of which Rs 17,000 crore was to be paid by the state government as its share. However, this amount was not paid by the previous administration.
He also pointed out that many funds under the AMRUT scheme phase 2 have not been released to the state. Additionally, he noted that the central government did not release Rs 2,980 crore sanctioned in 2021 under the Swachh Bharat initiative due to the non-payment of the state’s share of Rs 150 crore.
He said that efforts are being made to secure the pending funds from the Central government with the cooperation of CM Naidu.
Minister Narayana highlighted the government’s initiatives to create employment opportunities for the youth and drive overall development in the state.  He explained that with support from the Swachh Andhra Corporation and Urban Greening Corporation, the state government is taking steps to enhance greenery. Moreover, he announced that the government would soon convene a meeting with people’s representatives and officials to discuss the development of Vijayawada. Lastly, he praised the residents of NTR Colony for establishing a gym and providing gym equipment using their funds.