RTI shows govt spent Rs 58 lakhs for Solar commission

Times of India: Kochi: Thursday, 07 January 2016.

The state government has spent Rs 58 lakhs for running the two and half of year old Solar judicial commission, which enquire into the solar scam, shows a Right To Information (RTI) report.

The report collected by RTI activist Raju Vazhakala shows ,the government has spent Rs 58, 14476 till November 15, last year for giving salary, rent and other purposes. There are 10 temporary staffs, who are retired persons in the commission.

The government order for appointing staff in the commission was came on December 19, 2013. Government spends Rs 46,413 per month for giving rent for eight floor, where the commission hold sitting, of Kerala State Housing Board in Panampilly Nagar. A total of Rs 974673 spent as rent from January 2014 to November, 2015.

Selection grade district judge receives Rs 99543 per month. The government also gives Rs 25,000 per month for accountant, court officer and Rs 16500 for LD Clerk and stenographer. Fees for advocate per sitting is Rs 3,000 other than his monthly salary of Rs 10,000. Solar commission who is a retired high court judge is not receiving any salary. Expenses related to electricity, water. Telephone, stationary items, medical reimbursement of staff, diesel, maintenance of the floor and arranging the room for sitting is met by the government.