Even as the DMK questioned the transfer of the maintenance of many highways to local bodies on Wednesday, the AIADMK government justified its decision by contending that it was done only to ensure basic amenities on the roads.
During a debate on the demand for grants on Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, DMK legislator K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran (Aruppukottai) raised the issue and questioned as to why the highways were handed over to the local bodies. Minister for Municipal Administration S.P. Velumani said that the transfer of roads was only to ensure that the basic amenities were well maintained. However, DMK Deputy Floor Leader Duraimurugan intervened and asked if the maintenance of the highways had been transferred from the Highways Department, whether the funds would be granted from the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department (MAWS).
When the Minister replied in the negative, Mr. Duraimurugan questioned the logic behind the decision and asked, “If the funds are to be granted from the Highways Department, what is the need for the transfer of highways to local bodies?”
But Mr. Velumani maintained that the MAWS Department was short of funds and had to depend on the highways department.
