Lokayukta turns spotlight on Belagavi corporators’ assets

Belagavi: The Karnataka Lokayukta has stepped up scrutiny of the assets of elected representatives in the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), directing the civic body to submit details of movable, immovable and financial assets of all 58 corporators before June 30.

Following the Lokayukta’s communication, activity has picked up in the corporation’s council department, with officials initiating the process of collecting asset declarations from corporators.

According to sources in the council section of the city corporation, 50 of the 58 corporators have already submitted their asset details to the administration, while information from the remaining eight is still awaited. The corporators concerned have been informed about the Lokayukta’s directive, officials said, adding that once the pending declarations are received, the corporation will compile the details and forward them to the Karnataka Lokayukta department.

As per existing norms, all public representatives are required to declare details of their assets at the beginning of every financial year. The disclosures include information related to land, houses, commercial properties, bank deposits, investments, vehicles, loans and other financial transactions.

Officials said the city corporation must ensure the submission of complete information before the June 30 deadline. Failure to furnish details or attempts to withhold information could invite action under relevant rules.

In recent years, allegations regarding disproportionate growth in the assets of public representatives have surfaced frequently. Residents have also lodged complaints with the Lokayukta over the financial dealings of corporators.

Against this backdrop, the govt has made it mandatory for elected representatives not only to submit asset details to the government but also directly to the Lokayukta department. The information is subject to verification, and any significant increase in assets can be examined to ascertain the source of income.