KATHMANDU: It may sound weird. But representatives of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), who have been elected by the people, have embezzled over three million rupees in the name of logo procurement.
A KMC source said each ward chairperson and seven executive members received Rs. 32,000 for the purpose. Similarly, a total of Rs. 17,000 has been allocated to the ward members to purchase the logo. The gold-plated logo is to be patched on the coat.
The KMC has a total of total of 32 wards. With each ward having one chairperson and four members, there are a total of 32 ward chairpersons and 128 ward members. Besides, there are eight nominated members. In aggregate, the total sum misused amount comes at Rs. 3,456,000.
KMC sources said that some of the ward chairpersons bought logos at a far cheaper price than the amount they received from the KMC, while most of the representatives did not procure logos at all.
The representatives elected by people with high hopes of development, prosperity and unhindered service in the metropolis have been found to be misappropriating millions of rupees.
Some received money but did not procure logos
KMC sources said that some of the ward chairpersons bought logos at a far cheaper price than the amount they received from the KMC, while most of the representatives, despite receiving the money some five months back, did not buy logos at all.
Earlier, the KMC representatives had come under fire for their involvement in mobile sets purchase graft-case.
Currently, KMC provides Rs 1,500 to the mayor and the deputy mayor as meeting allowance whereas a ward member gets Rs 1,000 each for the same.
Likewise, a nominated and an invited member receives Rs 1,000 each as a meeting allowance.
Ishwor Man Dangol, the spokesperson at KMC, denies irregularities on the purchase of the logo. “KMC made logo mandatory to its members as part of institutional identity. The amount allocated for logo purchase is reasonable and there are no irregularities involved,” he said.
Other sources at the KMC, however, revealed that the logos were procured at far lower price and that some of the members have not bought the logo yet.
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