PM-KUSUM scheme: Anert CEO refutes Chennithala’s allegations

The implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme in Kerala was audited by the Principal Accountant General (PAG), Kerala, in September 2023, and no adverse findings were reported, Narendra Nath Veluri, chief executive officer, Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert), has said.

Responding to The Hindu on Friday to the corruption allegations levelled by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala against Anert in the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, Mr. Veluri said Anert considers the audit by a constitutional authority “a key validation of procedural and financial compliance.”

He further added that the PM-KUSUM scheme in Kerala is being implemented in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the financial protocols of the State government.

PM-KUSUM is designed to help farmers access solar power for irrigation and decarbonise agriculture. Anert refuted Mr. Chennithala’s allegation that the Anert CEO had invited tenders worth ₹240 crore for the project despite being authorised to invite tenders valued up to ₹5 crore.

The tenders referred to are for the empanelment of vendors and discovery of unit rates for solar pump systems, not for the award of ₹240 crore worth of work, according to the Anert CEO. The unit price discovered from empanelled vendors through this process ranged from ₹2.3 lakh to ₹1 crore, depending on pump capacity, specifications, and type.

“This price discovery and empanelment mechanism is standard practice under Centrally sponsored schemes such as PM-KUSUM, and is adopted by all other State implementing agencies across the country,” he said.  

On the demands for further scrutiny and audits, the Anert CEO said that the recent audit by the PAG provides strong assurance of procedural integrity. “Whether further scrutiny above Principal Accountant General will be required will be decided by competent authorities,” he said.

Mr. Chennithala had demanded urgent intervention by the Chief Minister, a probe by an Assembly committee and a forensic audit into what he described as irregularities in Anert.