Upalokayukta unearths Rs 22-cr fodder scam in Tumakuru goshalas

DHNS
June 17, 2017

Bengaluru, Jun 17: The state seems to be staring at a big fodder scam. The Upalokayukta enquiry report, conducted with respect to goshalas (cattle-sheds) in Tumakuru district, reveals misappropriation of Rs 22 crore in less than a year.goshalas

The Upalokayukta has issued notices to 127 officials of the rank of assistant commissioners and below in the district for initiation of action in this regard.

The state government had released funds to district administrations for constructing goshalas, purchase and distribution of fodder in December-February 2016-17. In view of the severe drought across 139 taluks, the government had directed district administrations to ensure availability of fodder to cattle.

On a tip-off that large scale irregularities had taken place at goshalas in distribution of fodder, Upalokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi made surprise visits to goshalas in March-April 2017. It was found that the ledger book detailing receipts and distribution of fodder was mishandled and that there was mismatch of stocks mentioned in the books and fodder available in goshalas. The Upalokayukta had visited Ranganahalli (Gubbi taluk), Ullasathopu, C B Agrahara, Ranganathapura, Bhoothappanagudi, J Hosahalli (Sira taluk), Tovinakere (Koratagere taluk), Gadabanahalli Thopu, Ayyanabavi, Baguvala (Tiptur taluk), T B Cross, Aremallanahalli (Turuvekere taluk) Y N Hosakote, Nagalamadike, Venkatapura (Pavagad taluk) and Godekere, Vajra, Karehalli, Hulikal, Durgammanna Betta (Chikkanayakanahalli taluk).

The enquiry report submitted by Lokayukta officials stated that the district administration officials misappropriated funds and also left the goshalas in a pitiable state.

“Misappropriation of Rs 33.96 lakh released to goshalas in seven taluks has been found. Similarly, a total of Rs 21.98 crore towards the purchase of fodder has been misappropriated,” the report said.

Apart from the misappropriation, the enquiry revealed that the district administration had not followed the guidelines issued periodically by the state government. The enquiry report stated that almost all the goshalas were unhygienic and did not use scientific weighing scales. “At some goshalas, the fodder was distributed without weighing. The officials had not provided proper lighting and toilet facilities to farmers staying with cattle at night despite a government circular in this regard.”

Justice Adi confirmed issuance of notices. “I had visited goshalas only in Tumakuru district. The report suggested misappropriation of funds and notices have been issued to record the comments of officials,” he said.

Comments

Cow and the politics
 - 
Saturday, 17 Jun 2017

Ok, now i understand the purpose of all this cow slaughter ban. It is money making strategy by bhakts. Wah re wah sabse bade Chor to yeh log hain

RR
 - 
Sunday, 18 Jun 2017

So this is the reason behind potraitng animals as MATA .. PITA...
When innocents realize this and bycot these sangees....?
JAI HIND

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
April 18,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 18: The Indian Council of Medical Research has approved 16 laboratories, comprising 11 government and five private laboratories in Karnataka, for testing the samples of COVID-19 suspected cases, the state government said on Saturday.

Meetings and negotiations were held with some private laboratories for conducting COVID-19 sample testing, additional chief secretary (health and family welfare) Jawaid Akhtar said in a circular.

"Based on the negotiations, the cost per test has been fixed at Rs 2,250," the circular read.

These private labs have to abide by the conditions laid down by the state and union governments, it added.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
February 13,2020

Mangaluru, Feb 13: The Customs Officers of Airport Team-II at Mangalore International Airport (MIA) on Thursday intercepted a passenger who attempted to smuggle gold worth Rs 9.39 lakhs.

The team led by Rajesh Poojary nabbed the passenger who attempted to smuggle 233.18 grams of gold strips concealed inside a rechargeable emergency light and solar sensor wall light.

The officials said a passenger named Mohammed Mahir Patla (24) from Kasaragod, who arrived from Dubai yesterday evening by Air India flight number IX384 attempted to smuggle the gold.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
May 28,2020

May 28: The Karnataka State Election Commission on Thursday announced postponement of gram panchayat polls citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Out of 6,025 gram panchayats, the tenure of 5,800 gram panchayats will end by June-August 2020.

"After examining the feasibility of conducting general elections to gram panchayats, the State Election Commission, considering the current situation as exceptional circumstance, has decided to temporarily postpone the general elections to the gram panchayats," the SEC said in a release.

It said after examining the situation in the days to come, the decision will be taken on holding the general elections to the gram panchayats.

The CEC also states that report by Deputy Commissioners of districts on holding the elections was verified and it has been found that district administrations are involved in COVID-19 related work and there will be shortage of staff and transport facilities for the elections. Besides, there would be a problem in maintaining law and order.

Last week through a letter to Deputy Commissioners of districts, the commission had sought opinion on holding panchayat polls amid the COVID-19 crisis. It had also pointed out that electoral roll needs to be prepared and reservations had to be allocated as per the new amendments.

Stating that the state election commission's decision to postpone gram panchayat elections was against the provisions of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act 1993, the Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah said the Congress will question this "undemocratic act" in the court of law.

He accused the commission of playing to the BJP's tune and said the congress will protest the decision at gram panchayat level.

Opposition parties in the state, especially congress, have been demanding elections.

The government was in favour of postponement of polls and wants to have administrative committees to govern the panchayats, until the polls are held, according to government sources.

The Congress, raising apprehension about administrative committees, has accused the government of conspiring to have ruling BJP workers as its members.

A congress delegation had last week submitted a petition to State Election Commissioner B Basavaraju and urged the Commission to hold elections.

The congress had even suggested continuation of sitting panchayat members until the polls are held, instead of appointing administrative committees.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.