Karnataka - Madikeri   

Irregularities in implementation of scheme to be referred to Lokayukta

Staff Correspondent

Arun Machaiah raises issue of distribution of fake `hakku patra' at ZP meeting

Madikeri: A resolution was passed at the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat meeting held here on Wednesday to refer the issues of alleged financial irregularities in the implementation of the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) Scheme in the district and distribution of fake "hakku patra" in Somwarpet taluk, to the Lokayukta.

C.S. Arun Machaiah, MLC, who attended the meeting along with JD (S) member and president of the standing committee on health and education V.P. Shashidhar and BJP member Kollira Dharmaja, sought details on the matter. A resolution was passed to refer the issue of NHM scheme to the Lokayukta in the last meeting. Chief Executive Officer K. Sundar Naik said that it was referred to the Directorate of Horticulture, which had given a clean chit to the officials involved in the implementation of the scheme.

Mr. Machaiah and others argued that resolutions were passed following evidence relating to irregularities. The price of a bag of ginger was Rs. 450 then, but it was purchased at a cost of Rs. 1,700 for distribution to farmers by the Horticulture Department. An inquiry had to be conducted into it, they demanded.

Mr. Naik said that the matter would be referred to the Lokayukta in the next few days. Mr. Machaiah raised the issue of distribution of fake "hakku patra" in Somwarpet taluk. The seal of the Somwarpet tahsildar was being faked to issue "hakku patra" to beneficiaries. Mr. Shashidhar said the beneficiaries should not be held responsible for the lapses. After a discussion, president of the zilla panchayat H.S. Ashok read out a resolution to refer the case again to the Lokayukta.

Mr. Ashok alleged that Congress member Raja Rao had obtained a grant of five acres of land at Madalapura, which, he said, belonged to the Department of Horticulture. The member was also in possession of 15 more acres nearby, which was once under the department.

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