Top News
SC dismayed at ‘misuse’ of environment funds by states
New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Disappointed by the “misuse” of huge funds, meant for the protection of the environment and the benefit of people, for other purposes like municipal works by the states, the Supreme Court on Monday said the whole purpose of creating the fund is lost.
“The funds are for environment purposes. How can you (Meghalaya) spend the amount for some other purpose? This is clear, absolute misutilisation of money. It’s not fair at all,” a bench headed by Justice Madan B. Lokur said after Meghalaya said it had kept the funds in a bank and spent a portion on construction of roads and footpaths.
Observing that many states had diverted the environment funds to other purposes, the bench even said the “Central government should stop giving the money as state governments are misusing it”, and sought assistance of Additional Solicitor General (Centre’s lawyer) A.N.S. Nadkarni on the appropriate and proper utilisation of funds in all the states.
Earlier, the apex court had reprimanded the Odisha government after it was told that the environment fund was being used for construction of roads, renovation of bus stands and science laboratories in colleges.
After the top court’s order around 10 to 12 funds were created for environmental matters and amount lying in them was nearly Rs 75,000 crore.
During the hearing, Meghalaya Chief Secretary Yeshi Tsering was present before the bench pursuant to its earlier order, and said that money has been kept in a bank and some portion was spent on excursion and study tours and studies outside the state, construction of footpaths, community halls, school buildings, public sanitation, roads, water supply projects, etc.
The bench expressed displeasure that environment funds were being spent by states on projects which were part of their governance.
“There are certain things which you as a state obliged to do. How can you take money from the environment fund? Construction of road is your job as a state. How can you do this? Tomorrow you will start paying salary to the staff from the fund, saying it’s for the environment purpose. This is clear misutilisation of money. Whole purpose (of environment fund) is lost,” the bench told the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya.
The apex court noted that not only Meghalaya but other states too were diverting or misusing the environment fund, and sought Nadkarni’s assistance on appropriate and proper utilisation of funds.
“Prima facie it appears to us that the funds are being used for the purposes other than what was intended by this court. We would like to have the assistance of Additional Solicitor General A.N.S. Nadkarni with regard to appropriate and proper utilisation of funds not only by the state of Meghalaya but by all other states,” said the bench.
It posted the matter relating to the environmental protection for further hearing on July 19.
Earlier, the bench had asked the Centre how huge amounts to the tune of around Rs 75,000 crore, lying in the form of various funds created on the apex court’s orders for protection of the environment, was being utilised.
–IANS
gt/nir/bg
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
Cheers and Cheers: Barzilla’s Joyful Ode to Inclusivity and Celebration
Casino Days Reveal Internal Data on Most Popular Smartphones
Meghalaya Reserves Legalized Gambling and Sports Betting for Tourists
IPL 20202 UPDATE: KXIP vs MI IPL Dream11 Team Prediction for Today Match, Update Point Table of all Team.
In a Live debate AAP leader Syed Asad Abbas hurls abuses to BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
‘India’s Most Wanted’ trailer out Arjun Kapoor on hunt of Osama-Bin-Laden
Time to move on: Sonakshi on Shatrughan’s joining Congress
