APEDB objects to BJP MP’s remarks on PD accounts

This exposes GVL’s lack of understanding: Kutumba Rao

Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board Vice-Chairman C. Kutumba Rao.

Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board Vice-Chairman C. Kutumba Rao has taken strong objection to BJP’s Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao’s charges relating to an alleged scandal in the depositing of amounts in the PD (personal deposit) accounts by the AP Government.

Mr. Kutumba Rao said Mr. Narasimha Rao’s comments on the PD accounts exposed his lack of understanding about the government processes and all the PD accounts are operated under the strict scrutiny of the concerned Ministries. It was not proper on the part of Mr. Narasimha Rao to create apprehensions among the people. “Why will the government seek loans if it has ₹50,000 crore in its possession in the PD accounts?” he asked.

Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board Vice-Chairman said the operation of the PD accounts is constantly monitored by the agencies like Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The BJP member could lodge a complaint with the CAG or the Central Vigilance Commission if he was confident that there were some irregularities in the operation of these accounts. “All the reports pertaining to the State prepared by the CAG are in public domain and anyone can access them,” he said.

He ridiculed the BJP MP for his lack of understanding of the government affairs and recalled the CAG’s comments against the BJP-led Central Government. Mr. Narasimha Rao, who had been elevated to Rajya Sabha, could not win even as a ward member in the State.

“The CAG snubbed the Centre for not submitting utilisation certificates pertaining to ₹1 lakh crore collected as education cess from the people. The statutory auditor has faulted the Gujarat government for allowing controversial deals valuded at ₹21,000 crore,” he said. He demanded that the Central Government release a white paper on the SR Oil issue as also the deals signed for purchase of Rafale aircraft with France. The Prime Minister’s Office owed a clarification on the charges that were being raised on the alleged irregularities that went into the purchase of Rafale aircraft, he said.