Karnataka orders probe into ‘40 percent commission scam’ by BJP govt
Allegations of corruption against the earlier BJP government were made by the State Contractors’ Association and the Congress had made a poll promise to probe them
The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka has ordered a judicial inquiry into the allegations of demand for “40 percent commission” for public projects during the previous BJP-led dispensation in the state.
Three months after coming to power, the ruling Congress on Thursday (August 17) passed an order setting up the inquiry panel led by retired HC judge Justice Nagamohan Das, fulfilling one of its key promises made in the run-up to assembly polls. According to the order, the commission will inquire into the activities of the departments where large-scale public works are taken up.
The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association had written to the prime minister and the then chief minister about 40 percent commission being charged on all public projects.
Even before the commencement of work, 25–30 percent commission is paid to the public representatives while the remaining is paid after completion of work, the order explained.
“However, no action was taken on these serious allegations at the government level. The new government wants to bring transparency in the administration at the initial level itself,” the order said.
The commission will investigate if administrative approvals were given as per rules and quality of works. The probe panel will also ascertain whether the estimates were in accordance with the prevailing schedule of rates and the necessity to revise estimates in the event of cost escalation.
The departments concerned will have to submit their files to the panel, the order said.
During the election campaigning, the Congress had raised the issue of “40 per cent commission” to target the BJP government.
(With agency inputs)