Kozhikode mayor promises steps to prevent diversion of central market funds

The Kozhikode Corporation will take steps to ensure that the funds sanctioned by the Central Government for the upgradation of the Central Market in the city are not lost, said Mayor O. Sadasivan. He informed the Corporation Board that a meeting would be called next week to discuss the matter.

The issue was raised by BJP councilor N. Sivaprasad during a discussion on the renewal of market licenses during the council meeting on Monday (August 31). Mr. Sivaprasad expressed concern over reports that funds could be diverted to Kottakkal municipality due to the delay in upgrading the Kozhikode Central Market.

The BJP councilor said he came to know about the reported move through the media and sought an explanation from the corporation officials.

The mayor said the corporation had not received any official communication on the matter. Mr. Sadasivan added that he had discussed the matter with Faisal Babu, MLA, and that steps would be taken to expedite the project and ensure that funds were not lost.

The mayor further informed the council that the civic body will take steps to resolve the inconsistency in prices charged by hotels in the city.

The issue surfaced when councilor MM Latha pointed out that several hotels were selling food at different prices. The mayor directed officials to take necessary action and said the matter would be taken up with the officials of the Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Leader of the Opposition in the SV Council Mohammed Shameel Thangal of the United Democratic Front (UDF) also alleged that some hotels were charging higher prices from people coming from outside the city.

Meanwhile, the council decided to call an urgent meeting in the presence of the mayor to resolve the issue of piloting the approach road to the Pavangad flyover.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has issued a notice to the public works department to stop the hoarding as underground electric cables were passing through where the access road is being constructed.

The decision to call a joint meeting was taken after the matter was raised by councilor VP Manoj, who pointed out that the land on which the pilot works were to be carried out belonged to the society and questioned the KSEB’s decision to issue the summons. He also sought steps to ensure the resumption of construction work.

Published – 31 Aug 2026 21:44 IST