Karnataka Lokayaukta's proposal for action against ‘corrupt’ tahsildars fails to get Cabinet nod

Bengaluru: The Cabinet, which met on Thursday rejected the Lokayukta recommendation to initiate action against officials involved in various irregularities. Two recommendations seeking action against three tahsildars over illegal sand mining in Jamakhandi taluk and another on irregularities committed by an IFS officer, who served as Kalaburgi CEO were rejected, on the ground that the Lokayukta probe was not comprehensive.

Speaking to reporters , Law Minister Mr T.B. Jayachandra said the Cabinet felt the Lokayukta probe was one sided. The Lokayukta had recommended action against tahsildars Mr Shashidhara Bagali, Mr S.S. Somanala and Mr Siddappa Parapa Hullolli. “Two of the three tahsildars have retired and one served in the place for only 15 days.

Besides, only tahsildars cannot be held responsible for illegal sand mining, The police and mines and geology department officials are equally responsible. So, the Cabinet decided to reject the Lokayukta recommendation and order a departmental inquiry,.

Split session to  be held in Bengaluru, Belagavi  

For the first time, the Cabinet has decided to split the Monsoon session between Belagavi and Bengaluru. The cabinet, which decided to hold a 20 day Monsoon session, has decided to hold a 10 day session in Belagavi and a 10 day session in Bengaluru.

The session will begin from June 29 at Belagavi and will be held till July 10. From July 13, the session will resume in Bengaluru and will conclude on July 24.The Cabinet approved the project report by Australia based Populous Pvt Ltd., for constructing an International Convention Center adjacent to Kempegowda International Airport.

Mr Jayachandra said two companies -- Populous Pvt Ltd., and Feedback Infrastructure Pvt Ltd., had submitted project reports to construct Rs 410 crore worth projects, of which the Cabinet approved the first one. The company will be allowed to utilise 50 acres of land.