In the most recent instance,
the govt spent Rs 1.61cr on promotional activities for the inauguration of the
arrival of the first cargo vessel San Fernando at the Vizhinjam Port, on July
11, 2024. This expenditure arises at a juncture when the state
is grappling with immense financial adversity, striving to fulfil basic
obligations such as disbursing salaries, pensions, and a backlog of outstanding
bills and arrears.
The breakdown of the promotional costs for the port event discloses that
Rs 1.27cr was allocated for newspaper advertisements, Rs 19 lakh for theatre
promotions, Rs 7 lakh for social media campaigns, Rs 6.87 lakh for temporary
signage, and Rs 1.03 lakh for printing brochures.
Critics contend that this spending
is not only excessive but also misplaced, given the pressing financial
challenges confronting the state.
The financial strain on the
state has reached critical levels. With the
introduction of treasury controls, there are burgeoning concerns that the state
administration could grind to a halt, as even minor payments are now
encountering delays. The govt has already decided to slash Plan funds by 50%,
indicating a drastic reduction in funding for development projects.
Furthermore, it has proclaimed a review of all projects surpassing Rs 10cr to
assess their necessity, a move that underscores the urgency of the financial
crisis.
In an endeavour to augment
non-tax revenue, the state govt has instructed all departments to increase fees
for services rendered to the public. This decision has
ignited further discontent among citizens who are already feeling the pinch of
the economic downturn. Many are questioning why the govt is spending lakhs on a
PR event when essential services are at risk of being compromised.
The first mother ship arrived
at Vizhinjam on July 11, commencing the trial operations of the port. The project is being promoted by
the state govt, in collaboration with Adani Group, for which the govt entered
into an agreement with the company in Aug 2015.