MLA Vikram Randhawa Grills J&K Govt Over Jammu Smart City Expenditure: Allegations of Mismanagement Surface
Jammu, March 24, 2025: The Jammu Smart City Limited Project came under intense scrutiny in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday, as MLA Bahu Ch. Vikram Randhawa demanded a detailed account of its Rs. 815.37 crore expenditure, only to receive a vague and evasive response from the government.
Government Ducks Questions on Contractors and Timelines
Randhawa pressed the administration for a breakdown of contractors, agencies, and completion deadlines tied to the massive investment. However, the government’s terse response—“Expenditure incurred, including A&E”—offered no specifics, sparking further concerns about a lack of transparency.
Rs. 830.98 Crore Allocated, But Where Did the Money Go?
Further probing revealed that the Centre had allocated Rs. 830.98 crore to the project since 2018-19, of which Rs. 815.37 crore has already been spent. Yet, when questioned about corruption allegations and complaints, the government attempted to downplay the issue, providing the following statistics:
400 complaints regarding defective Display of Number (DON) plates (350 marked as “resolved”)
300 grievances on e-bus ticketing issues and staff misconduct (285 cases allegedly addressed, with penalties imposed).
16 complaints related to scattered infrastructure problems, all conveniently labeled “resolved.”
Despite these figures, Randhawa remained unconvinced, highlighting persistent public dissatisfaction with the project’s execution.
Mismanagement Allegations and Lack of Accountability
Randhawa’s final demand—a list of the 59-member staff, including the CEO—yielded only a headcount, with no further details.
The government’s reluctance to share information has fueled suspicions that the Smart City initiative is more of a financial black hole than a transformative urban upgrade.
With critics accusing the project of serving vested interests rather than public welfare, calls for an independent audit are growing louder.
As Jammu’s streets remain “smarter on paper than in reality,” the question remains—is the Smart City dream turning into a Smart City scam?
