Karwar: City Municipal Council general body meeting, on Thursday, witnessed heated debate over irregularities in the purchase of garbage transporting vehicles with members claiming officials involvement in the fraud.
Raising the issue, Member Sandeep Talekar charged that council officials of having indulged in irregularities in the purchase of garbage transporting vehicles under City Municipal Council limits. Instead of purchasing six-wheel vehicles, they have bought four-wheel vehicles, he said.
Members, in the previous meeting, had sought Lokayukta probe into irregularities in various other works as well, including probe into bar coding system implemented at a cost of Rs 5 lakh, but which remains uninstalled, and installation of manhole lid on Kodibag Road. However, no action has been initiated in this regard, he observed.
Municipal Commissioner Yogeshwar, on his part, pointed out that they did not have right to demand Lokayukta probe directly regarding irregularities by the authorities in municipal corporation. Instead, those who have the authority to hire officers should fire them, if they misuse their power, he said.
The recommendations have been sent to Deputy Commissioner in this regard. They will direct Municipal Council to take up the investigation, he clarified.
While review in the alleged irregularities has already been undertaken, there is need of investigation from technical experts. Authorities have responded to three of the five notices issued by the council for alleged irregularities. Still, they have to respond for remaining two notices, he informed.
Sandeep said, since, last nine years, he had seen the administration and authorities in municipal council. Till today, no action was taken against those who indulged in irregularities. Even, if after allegations against environmental engineer Mallikarjun were proved, he is still in his place, he charged.
Member Ganapati Ulwekar accused ruling party members for their involvement in the irregularities of municipal council.
However, Vice-President Leelabai Thanekar and other members countered stating they have not done anything wrong.
Member Ratnakar said students of Khurswada’s post-matric minority hostel propose to oppose the inauguration of hostel by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as the hostel has been constructed in unscientific way.
Member Nitin Pikale questioned the delay in the construction of septic tank at the medical college hostel. The commissioner, however, assured to resolve the problem through the Deputy Commissioner. Standing Committee President Vitthal Sawant and others were present.