G.O.Ms.No.20, World Classical Tamil Conference Road Works in Coimbatore, 2010

What the government approved

The Housing and Urban Development (UD 4(1)) Department issued Government Order G.O.Ms.No.20 on 3 February 2010. It sanctioned Rs.26.31 crores from the State Infrastructure and Amenities Fund for improvements to roads proposed by the Commissioner, Coimbatore Corporation, in connection with the World Classical Tamil Conference scheduled for June 2010.

The Commissioner reported that existing roads covering 75.27 kilometres required improvement on a priority basis. The roads were described as important links for traffic and transport within Coimbatore city. The estimate was prepared after inspection and consideration of the physical condition of the roads and their traffic volume.

Who is affected

Government Order G.O.Ms.No.20 directly concerns the Corporation of Coimbatore, the Director of Town and Country Planning and the government financial authorities responsible for releasing, accounting for and supervising the sanctioned funds. Road users within Coimbatore Corporation limits could be affected by the improvement works.

The document deals with funding for public road works. It does not contain provisions changing private land ownership, planning permission, land classification or development rights.

Conditions attached to the road works

The Promotion Committee of Tamil Nadu State Infrastructure and Amenities Fund recommended the funding subject to these conditions:

• The Commissioner, Corporation of Coimbatore must prepare detailed technical estimates approved by the relevant technical authority.
• The Commissioner must closely supervise the work and ensure its quality.
• The work must be completed within Rs.26.31 crores.
• Any expenditure above Rs.26.31 crores must be met by the Corporation of Coimbatore.
• The approval is a special case because of the connection with the World Classical Tamil Conference and cannot be cited as a precedent for future road upgrades.
• The Director of Town and Country Planning must release funds in stages and closely follow the progress of the works.

Funding and administration

Government Order G.O.Ms.No.20 makes the Director of Town and Country Planning the estimating, reconciling and controlling authority for the relevant new head of account. The Pay and Accounts Officer or Treasury Officer concerned was asked to open that account.

The sanctioned expenditure was classified as an item of New Service, with legislative approval to be obtained later. Pending approval, the expenditure was to be met initially through a Contingency Advance. The order was issued with the concurrence of the Finance Department.