‘Graft allegations started after launch of guarantee schemes’

Mangaluru: Asserting that there was no truth in corruption allegations levelled against the deputy chief minister, minister of health and family welfare Dinesh Gundurao said that a few people are unnecessarily levelling allegations against deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. While the deputy chief minister has been trying to check corruption, the opposition is engaged in false propaganda, he said. “Many have been claiming to have a pen drive and CD to expose corruption charges, after the government started implementing guarantee schemes successfully. They want to bring a bad reputation to the government, when schemes are being implemented for the benefit of the public,” he added. “The government has already ordered for a special investigation team (SIT) to probe irregularities in BBMP works, pertaining to the last four years. The team will probe into irregularities in tendering and billing process, and will also assess the quality of work. We have efficient officers, who will conduct an impartial probe,” the minister told reporters here on Friday. The pending bills of the contractors is not a major issue. They are pending for the last two years. “Clearing bills is not an issue. However, the investigation team will have to assess whether works have been carried out. A report will be ready in 30 days. Bills for the work completed properly will be paid, and payment will not be made if the quality is compromised or not taken up,” the minister said. On Sowjanya case To a query on demand for reinvestigation into the murder of Sowjanya, the minister said that the chief minister and home department are waiting for details of the case. “Any decision has to be taken at the government level. I will speak to the home minister once all the details on the case reach the government,” he added. ‘Adhere to protocol’ On an allegation of breach of privileges made by BJP MLAs in Dakshina Kannada, he said that the government considers all MLAs equally. “People’s representatives have equal respect in democracy. Invitations for programmes are printed as per the protocol, and sometimes special invitees are also called. There will be no problem if the programme is conducted by inviting MLAs and officials. I have asked the deputy commissioner to strictly adhere to the protocol in all government programmes, and not to print names unnecessarily,” he said.