17 suo motu cases registered following Lokayukta’s surprise inspection

Udupi: As many as 17 suo motu cases have been registered against officials across various departments, following surprise inspections by Karnataka Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa. During his visit on Feb 26 and 27, Justice Veerappa conducted grievance redressal meetings and simultaneously inspected several govt offices and departments. Cases were registered after several instances of negligence and failure to provide information were found. Education department officials failed to provide records and explanations, while lapses such as staff not wearing ID cards and improper maintenance of registers were noted. The Women and Child Development Department, officials were unable to furnish details about schemes and funds released over the past two years. The Social Welfare department failed to provide information on hostel conditions, food, drinking water and health facilities for students, and the Mines and Geology Department could not provide data on quarries, crushers, violations or worker insurance. Authorities were also pulled up for failing to take action to develop the lake in Thenkanidiyur. Officials of the Manipal Police Station faced action for not taking adequate measures against drug peddling. During inspection of the sewage treatment plant at Nittur, serious concerns were raised over untreated wastewater polluting drains, rivers and the sea, along with poor maintenance and environmental violations. The Fisheries department, RTO, Backward Classes Welfare Department, Tourism Department and Urban Development Authority were also booked for failing to provide records and for administrative lapses.At Udupi CMC, deficiencies were found in project records, tax collection, waste management and unauthorised constructions. At the district govt hospital, issues such as poor sanitation, improper waste disposal, lack of uniforms among staff and mismanagement of records were observed. Lapses were also found at the sub-registrar's office, assistant director of Land Records office and tahsildar's office, including pending files and poor record. Employees were found to be engaged in chit funds, without taking permission from seniors. Based on these findings, suo motu cases have been registered against the concerned officials across departments.