Blurb: Rai alleged that contractors faced additional extortion of up to seven percent under the guise of KRIDL charges.
Mangaluru
Puttur Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar seeking a comprehensive departmental inquiry into alleged corruption involving officials of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) in Mangaluru.
Rai alleged serious complaints against KRIDL Executive Engineer Vijay and Junior Engineer Prajwal regarding the implementation of development works and their dealings with contractors. He claimed contractors were allegedly harassed in various ways and were told that monthly payments had to be made to the district in-charge minister and the department minister.
Rai further alleged that contractors were being asked to pay additional amounts of up to seven per cent under the name of KRIDL charges. He also claimed that contractors who questioned such demands had allegedly been threatened. The allegations, however, are yet to be independently established.
The MLA said public-funded development projects require transparency, quality and strict adherence to rules. If the allegations against the officials are found to be true, he said, they would amount to misuse of public funds and could damage the reputation of the department and public confidence.
Rai urged the Chief Minister to order an impartial and detailed departmental investigation into all complaints and allegations received against the officials. He also requested that the officials be suspended or transferred to other positions on administrative grounds until the inquiry is completed, considering the seriousness of the allegations.
He further sought strict disciplinary action under applicable service and departmental rules if the allegations are proved during the investigation. Rai said that if any financial loss to the government or illegal collection of money is established, the amount should be recovered from those responsible.
The MLA also urged the government to ensure that contractors can execute development works without intimidation or undue pressure. He said a transparent investigation would help establish the facts and protect the interests of both the government and contractors involved in public projects.
The allegations have brought renewed attention to the monitoring of government-funded infrastructure works and the need for accountability among officials handling development projects.
Points
- Allegations against KRIDL engineers raised
- Contractors reportedly harassed for bribes
- Extra seven percent charges demanded
- MLA seeks impartial departmental probe
- Suspension or transfer requested pending inquiry
- Strict disciplinary action demanded if proven
