Irregularities rock minority welfare civil works

Chitradurga: Shamla Iqbal, secretary to Karnataka’s minority welfare, haj & waqf department, confirmed serious financial and execution-related irregularities in several state-sponsored infrastructure projects, after the state govt relieved senior official Gilani Mokashi of his duties as director with immediate effect over alleged irregularities in Rs 600 crore earmarked for minority welfare.

The action followed a show-cause notice highlighting systemic failures and formed part of a broader govt move to address alleged corruption and lapses in executing civil works under the department. The probe covered works including minority colonies, residential schools, Morarji Desai colleges, student hostels, madrasa buildings, compound walls and projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).

According to the notice, responsibility for quality control, field supervision and structural inspections rested with the director. The govt alleged that despite repeated complaints from watchdogs, the director’s office suppressed information and failed to submit mandatory reports.

The notice also cited inflated project estimates. Complaints alleged that detailed project reports (DPRs) were manipulated to show values three to four times higher than public works department (PWD) norms, while execution quality remained poor.

Anagawadi Nabi Nadaf, secretary of BJP’s state minority wing, claimed most contracts were routed through the Karnataka State Habitat Centre under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Ltd. He alleged hostel compound wall DPRs were pegged at Rs 100 crore and revised to Rs 80 crore, still violating PWD norms. “The Congress govt released 60% of funds in 2023, yet no project was completed even after two years. Ministers and officials are involved,” he alleged.

He accused the govt of misusing minority welfare funds. The former director was asked to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) explaining irregularities. Secretary Shamla Iqbal could not be reached for further comment.