Tue Feb 25 16:32:32 UTC 2025: ## Kochi Corporation Faces Criticism for Slow Spending on Development Projects

**KOCHI, February 25, 2025** – The Kochi Corporation is facing criticism for its slow pace in utilizing funds allocated for development projects in the 2024-25 fiscal year. While Mayor M. Anilkumar claims nearly ₹70 crore will be spent, potentially exceeding ₹70 crore with pending infrastructure bills, opposition Congress members highlight significant shortfalls.

Only 46.20% of funds have been utilized across three sectors, with a mere 79 out of 723 ongoing projects completed. The manufacturing sector shows the most dismal performance, with only ₹3.58 crore spent out of an allocated ₹18.50 crore. The services sector also lags significantly, utilizing only ₹29.86 crore of a ₹268.34 crore allocation. The infrastructure sector fared slightly better, with ₹31.02 crore spent out of ₹80.68 crore. Completion rates for spillover projects are also low, with 497 out of 1057 completed.

The Congress alleges that the corporation ranks fourth in fund utilization and that the slow progress is unacceptable with only a month left in the fiscal year. Disparities exist across categories, with utilization rates ranging from 7.70% in the tribal sub-plan category to 63.40% in road maintenance.

Mayor Anilkumar has responded by announcing weekly review meetings to improve fund utilization, particularly in the production sector. The corporation also presented a draft of development projects for the 2025-26 fiscal year at a council meeting. These projects encompass various sectors including agriculture, animal husbandry, and social development.

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