Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Leader of Opposition in Indore Municipal Corporation, Chintu Chouksey here on Wednesday claimed that civic body officials allegedly colluded with a contractor to cause a Rs 10 crore loss to the corporation. “The scandal involves advertising contracts for unipoles, hoardings and bus stand publicity materials,” he told reporters.
“Municipal officials reportedly disregarded government policies and orders while awarding contracts for advertisements in the BRTS corridor. Despite clear restrictions on placing unipoles and advertising materials on roads, sidewalks and public spaces, the officials allegedly permitted the contractor to install them illegally,” he claimed.
“Besides, the contract was initially allowed a 3ft x 4ft size for advertising panels, but authorities allegedly approved a 3ft x 5ft size, benefiting the contractor. It is claimed that this was done under the influence of a high-ranking official in the Mahakaleshwar Temple Committee. A major revelation in the scam is that the contract, which was signed in 2019 for five years and expired on March 1, 2024 has still not been settled. The advertising company has reportedly been displaying advertisements for over a year without paying the municipal corporation. The total pending dues amount to Rs 10 crore, but the corporation has not taken any action to recover them,” the LoP claimed. A senior official in the IMC rubbished the allegations terming them baseless.
