The minister had even obtained the green light of the Cabinet for the move and a staggering Rs. 12 million has been paid as key money for the building which is located in Colpetty.
In addition to the key money, the rent has been paid for the last two months. The monthly rent amounts to Rs. 50,89,500. Rs. 30,37,542 of this sum is being paid by the ministry while the above mentioned institutions pay the rest.
Corrupt
The obtaining of the building also came under the criticism of the JVP, whose leader charged that the entire procedure was 'corrupt'.
The JVP leader even questioned minister Swaminathan on this regard, in Parliament on March 24.
Overlooking the two Tenders with the lowest prices, the minister has gone for the third Tender.
The price was initially stated by the renting party as Rs. 03 million but on the urging of the ministry secretary to amend the rent, the Government Assessor has increased it to Rs. 4.2 million.
The building was earlier rented by the FCID for a price of Rs. 120 per sq ft. It had later fallen vacant after the FCID office was shifted due to lack of parking space.
However, the ministry had rented the building for a price of Rs. 145 per sq ft.
Officials refuse
The ministry secretary - Mr. Sivagnanasothy has urged two additional secretaries to obtain the building after paying Rs. 45 million.
After they have refused to sign the corrupt deal, the ministry's chief accountant had been approached. He too, has refused to oblige.
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