Kerala's 'Break the Chain' Covid-19 awareness campaign is facing fresh scrutiny after a Finance Department inspection reportedly uncovered serious procedural and financial irregularities in the programme's execution, recommending departmental disciplinary proceedings against former Social Security Mission Executive Director Dr Mohammed Asheel. The inspection report, covering a campaign worth ₹4.89 crore, raises questions over how pandemic-era funds were managed and authorised.

Key Findings of the Inspection Report

According to the report, the campaign was executed without adhering to mandatory tender procedures. A significant portion of expenditure was allegedly supported only by handwritten vouchers lacking GST details, making independent verification difficult. The report further contends that the Social Security Mission had not been officially entrusted with implementing the programme, raising questions over the legitimacy of fund utilisation.

Among the specific irregularities cited: the Prison Department was permitted to manufacture sanitisers without the required government licence and received an advance of ₹33 lakh. Additionally, ₹44.63 lakh was allegedly advanced to district coordinators without following prescribed procedures, while ₹19.64 lakh spent on renovating a video conferencing hall reportedly violated financial norms. Alleged irregularities in the procurement of kiosks and the manufacture of masks and sanitisers were also flagged.

What the Report Does and Does Not Allege

Notably, the inspection report stops short of accusing Dr Asheel of personal financial gain. It holds him responsible for serious violations of financial rules and administrative procedures — a distinction that his supporters have highlighted. The report recommends departmental disciplinary proceedings, not criminal charges, at this stage.

Dr Asheel's Response

Dr Asheel has strongly disputed the findings. He maintains that the expenditure was incurred under special financial powers available during the Covid-19 emergency, when conventional tender procedures were exempted given the unprecedented public health crisis. He has argued that approvals obtained through the competent minister after procurement were legally valid, and accused the inspection team of ignoring emergency provisions and failing to examine relevant records before preparing the report.

In a formal representation to the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Dr Asheel has sought withdrawal of the report, assured full cooperation with the inquiry, and requested that disciplinary proceedings be deferred until a final decision is reached.

Political Dimension and Former Minister's Defence

The revelations carry political weight, arriving against the backdrop of earlier controversies surrounding Covid-era procurements in Kerala — including allegations relating to PPE kit purchases — which had already sparked debate over the previous Left Democratic Front government's handling of pandemic-related expenditure.

Former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja defended the former official, stating that the programme had been implemented by an entire department rather than any single individual. She stressed that the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic required swift administrative decisions, that all actions were properly documented, and expressed confidence that all questions would be answered.

What Happens Next

The Finance Department's recommendation of disciplinary proceedings now awaits a decision from higher authorities. Dr Asheel's representation seeking deferral of action remains pending. With the findings reviving political debate over pandemic-era governance in Kerala, the case is likely to draw further scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society alike.