The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner, P. Raja Babu, has refuted allegations of the misuse of funds sanctioned for the G-20 Working Group Committee meeting held in Visakhapatnam on March 28 and 29. The Commissioner has stated that the civic body spent nearly Rs 115.71 crore for the purpose, and that of the 400 planned works, 360 have been completed at a cost of Rs 83.40 crore, with the rest in the final stages of completion.

The G-20 Working Group Committee meeting, which was held in Visakhapatnam, required substantial preparation and infrastructure work. The GVMC was tasked with ensuring that the city was equipped to host the meeting and that all the necessary amenities were in place. The meeting was a significant event that required meticulous planning and execution. However, following the meeting, allegations of the misuse of funds were levied against the GVMC. The allegations caused considerable concern among citizens, who were eager to know whether the funds had been used appropriately.

In response, GVMC Commissioner P. Raja Babu clarified that the allegations were baseless. He stated that the GVMC had spent nearly Rs 115.71 crore for the purpose of hosting the meeting. He also added that of the 400 planned works, 360 had been completed at a cost of Rs 83.40 crore, with the rest in the final stages of completion. The Commissioner's statement suggests that the GVMC had utilised the funds appropriately and that the work planned for the meeting had been completed to a high standard.

The Commissioner's clarification should provide some reassurance to citizens and allay any concerns that they may have had regarding the misuse of funds. It also emphasises the importance of transparency in government spending, particularly when it comes to large-scale events such as the G-20 Working Group Committee meeting. Overall, the GVMC's efforts to host the meeting should be commended, and the completion of the planned works should be viewed as a significant achievement. It is hoped that the successful hosting of the meeting will help to enhance the reputation of Visakhapatnam as a premier destination for important events and meetings.