Karnataka - Bangalore   

Funding for roadworks criticised

Special Correspondent

MLAs demand White Paper on district-wise schemes sanctioned

BANGALORE: Public Works Minister H.D. Revanna was on Friday accused of discriminating against some districts in the allocation of funds for roadworks. Those who made the accusation in the Legislative Assembly demanded a White Paper on schemes implemented so far in various districts.

Speaking on the demands of various departments, J.C. Madhuswamy (JD-U) said Mr. Revanna had sanctioned funds only for Hassan and Shimoga districts, and Ramanagaram constituency represented by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Roads had been neglected in Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Tumkur districts.

Besides upgrading 437 km of State highways in Hassan district, Mr. Revanna had sanctioned Rs. 50 crore for a ring road in the district, he said. Tumkur district had been ignored. Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd. was undertaking roadworks at the behest of Mr. Revanna, he said.

The condition of roads in many districts had deteriorated following incessant rain during the past month. Roads that had been asphalted recently were no exception. Potholes had turned into pools of water on many stretches in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. No rules had been followed while sanctioning roadworks to contractors, Mr. Madhuswamy maintained.

He accused contractors of siphoning off funds allocated for roadworks with the connivance of officials. The Public Works Ministry had no authority over its officials and contractors, he said.G.V. Sriram Reddy (CPI-M) supported Mr. Madhuswamy and said a road between Gowribidnur and Bangalore had not been asphalted for many years. The Government was biased towards a few districts in the allocation of funds for roadworks, he said.

Mr. Revanna denied the charges, terming them baseless.

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