Thiruvananthapuram: The foreign aid from UAE-based Red Crescent for Life Mission housing project at Wadakkancherry was accepted without seeking permission from the central government, confirmed Chief Secretary Vishwas Mehta. He responded in this regard to a notice sent by Enforcement Directorate.
Rs 20 crore was accepted from Red Crescent. ED sought an explanation from Chief Secretary in connection with the irregularities over commission paid and its connection with the controversial gold smuggling case.
ED also demanded copies of the contract signed between Life Mission CEO and Red Crescent, minutes of the meeting, approval document from government and approval document from Centre. However, Chief Secretary informed that approval was not sought from government and there was no minutes of the meeting.
The Life Mission project pertains to building 140-apartment complex at a land belonging to Thalappally taluk in Wadakkancherry. Also, a maternal and child hospital is proposed.
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