Leader of the Opposition in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), Chirag Zaveri, seems to have learnt how to use the Right To Information (RTI) Act. Zaveri has sought specific information about the accounts of carpeting and patchwork of roads to project it as a scam. VMC officials, however, contended that their account books are clear and the information has deliberately been used to tarnish the image of the civic body.

Zaveri claimed that his demand for information under the RTI has exposed the misappropriation of Rs 4.83 crore and an investigation by the Vigilance department has been sought by him to punish the responsible officials.

“I had asked for the detailed accounts of all the 13 wards, particularly for the road patchwork. The information furnished by the VMC officials has exposed the misappropriation. I have demanded an inquiry by the Vigilance department so that people come to know why they are forced to travel on roads that are more like potholes and manholes,” said Zaveri.

According to Zaveri, Rs 4,83,23,000 were taken by different ward offices for patchwork till February 15, but at the same time there is no proof of whether the money has been spent on patchwork or if it has been spent at all.

According to the information, while an amount of Rs 68.35 lakh was spent on patchwork and carpeting in the East zone, Rs 1.66 crore was spent in West Zone. Rs 1.50 crore was spent in the North Zone and Rs 97 lakh in the South Zone. But there are no details and supporting documents as to where the money was spent.