HAVERI – Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the housing project undertaken by the Karnataka Slum Development Board in Shiggavi, Savanur, and Bankapura towns. A report has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner by the Assistant Commissioner of Savanur after an investigation into the matter.
The project, launched in 2021, aimed to construct 2,000 houses at a cost of ₹118.78 crore. However, the report reveals that only a few houses have been completed so far, while ₹66.42 crore has already been disbursed to contractors. An additional ₹23.93 crore is pending release.
According to the report, houses were to be built with a standard area of 350 square feet at a fixed cost. But in many cases, beneficiaries have constructed larger houses. It has been alleged that contractors entered into illegal agreements with beneficiaries and paid them directly, bypassing official norms.
During site inspections, several beneficiaries expressed dissatisfaction with the contractors, claiming they failed to provide proper support or complete the construction as agreed.
The issue was raised during a progress review meeting held on April 8 in Haveri under the chairmanship of District In-charge Minister Shivanand Patil. MLAs present alleged that officials and contractors colluded to commit irregularities and demanded a thorough inquiry.
Taking the matter seriously, Minister Patil directed the District Collector to investigate the allegations. A joint committee has since been formed under the leadership of the Sub-Divisional Officer to carry out a detailed review.
Officials have been urged to remain vigilant in monitoring government-funded projects and ensure transparency and accountability in their execution to prevent misuse of public funds.
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The Assistant Commissioner has submitted a report on the current status of the housing project in Shiggavi, Savanur, and Bankapur. The report is currently under review, said Vijaya Mahantesh Danamma, Deputy Commissioner.