A producer wanted to produce a film and direct it himself. But a senior director said he would direct the film himself and the producer agreed to it. Funds were released for the film and the director started the project.
When the producer asked for accountability, the director said that he would not submit the accounts as the producer was legally bound to finance the film. Who is right? The producer or the director?
This is exactly the scenario in Andhra Pradesh regarding the Polavaram project between the Centre and the TDP.
On Friday, the TDP government categorically told the Centre that it will not provide utilisation certificates for Central funds of Rs 3,979 crore towards revenue deficit and also for Rs 6,727 crore spent on Polavaram works so far.
Appearing in front of a Parliamentary Committee, AP Planning Commission vice-chairman Kutumba Rao said the State government was not obligated to provide the UCs and said the Centre was duty-bound to fulfill all the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act.
Ironically, the TDP had submitted UCs for Rs 1,632 crore for capital works, Rs 229 crore for Guntur-Vijayawada drainage works and Rs 946 crore released for backward districts.
Why then is it refusing to submit UCs for Polavaram and revenue deficit? When they have done nothing wrong and have a valid justification for the expenses incurred, then what is the problem?
Is it their ego coming in the way at having to be accountable to the Centre? If so, then they should put their ego aside in the best interests of the people of the State.
