Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala Questions Anert Solar Pump Tender Process

Quick Summary

• Senior Congress leader and CWC member, Ramesh Chennithala, has alleged irregularities in a ₹240-crore tender related to solar pump installations under the PM Kusum scheme in Kerala.
• Chennithala questioned whether the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert) CEO had the necessary permission to issue such a high-value tender, which exceeds their prescribed limit of ₹5 crore.
• Concerns were raised on multiple points: cancellation of the tender process, emails from companies withdrawing bids, lack of forensic audits over five years of Anert’s operations, and allocation practices regarding temporary employees who later joined private consultancies.
• the Congress leader demanded clarity on how much subsidy provided by the Center was utilized by Kerala for this project and how much was returned unused.
• Kerala Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty expressed willingness to engage in talks over these allegations; though, Chennithala insisted such discussions be held publicly.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The allegations raised by Mr. Ramesh Chennithala spotlight potential lapses in project governance surrounding renewable energy initiatives under Anert’s management in Kerala. This reflects broader concerns regarding transparency in tender processes that involve public funds for large-scale schemes like PM Kusum-with no forensic audit reportedly conducted within five years as claimed.

If irregularities are substantiated through an autonomous investigation or audit recommended by Mr. Chennithala (including forensic assessments), this could lead to stricter oversight mechanisms not only within state-run agencies but possibly extend across similar renewable projects nationwide.

public discussions suggested as part of accountability measures might encourage both higher transparency among stakeholders involved and public trust-critical factors when dealing with subsidies aimed at enduring energy solutions funded through taxpayer money.

The focus remains on ensuring funds allocated towards green solutions serve their intended purpose efficiently while addressing any misuse or procedural shortcomings head-on through appropriate institutional reviews.

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