Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac has said the Finance Department's investigation against former Public Works Minister P.J. Joseph with respect to allegations of irregularities in PWD construction works was ordered long before he left the Left Democratic Front.
Dr. Isaac told reporters here on Saturday that the Chief Technical Examination wing under the Finance Department had begun on April 13 its investigation into the alleged irregularities.
“There is no connection between the investigation and Mr. Joseph having left the LDF. According to PWD rules, tender proceedings should be initiated only after administrative sanction is given for construction works. When Mr. Joseph was at the helm, tenders were finalised before administrative sanction was accorded,” Dr. Isaac said.
Asked to comment on the allegation levelled by Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy and KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala that the proposed Vigilance investigation against Mr. Joseph was politically motivated, Dr. Isaac said, “Mr. Chandy and Mr. Chennithala should make it clear whether it was proper on Mr. Joseph's part to have finalised the tenders prior to administrative sanction.”
Dr. Isaac stated that investigations against irregularities were not new in the PWD. “Investigations against former Minister M.K. Muneer are not yet over. If Mr. Joseph is guilty, there will be stringent action against him,” he added.
