Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 24: Serious irregularities have come to fore in the Director of Tourism, Mumbai. These irregularities include withdrawal of Rs 5 lakh from the state exchequer to pay the electricity bill of a house occupied by Asif Hamid khan, who happens to be the joint director of state's tourism department in Mumbai. The payment, as a matter of principle had to be paid by the said official.
An audit report E&RI/TSM/2013-14/175 dated July 22, 2013 reveals that the said official continued to draw the amount from the government account notwithstanding the orders to the contrary.
The said official, according to the report, has withdrawn an amount of Rs 12,913 on account of his electricity bill.
The report further says that officials who are not entitled to conveyance allowance have been withdrawing it from the government account. These officials include the chief accounts officer. Interestingly, he has been allotted a government vehicle.
The treasury officer at Mumbai has sought clearance for releasing Rs. 30, 281 for the months of June and July 2013 claimed by the Joint Director as his electricity bill. The treasury officer has termed the expenses irregular and unauthorized.
Asif Hamid Khan, who is the incumbent Additional Resident Commissioner at New Delhi, also retains the additional charge of Joint Director Tourism, Mumbai. Till November 8, 2011, according to the audit report, he has withdrawn an amount of Rs 4,65,540 out of Government account.
Asif headed the Mumbai tourism office for many years and was transferred to Delhi as additional resident commissioner in March this year. He continues to hold additional charge of Joint Director Tourism Mumbai. |
