Belagavi RTI Activist Uncovers Major Crop Compensation Scam in Mudalagi Taluk
In a startling revelation from Belagavi, RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad has alleged a significant financial irregularity involving crop loss compensation funds. According to Gadad, a substantial sum of Rs 1.1 crore intended for drought relief in 2023 was wrongfully credited to 368 ineligible beneficiaries across 25 villages in Mudalagi taluk. This misallocation has reportedly caused a major loss to the government exchequer and deprived eligible farmers of much-needed support.
Details of the Irregular Disbursal
Speaking to the media at the Kannada Sahitya Bhavan on Friday, Gadad detailed how the scam came to light through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. He accused officials from the revenue and agriculture departments of Mudalagi taluk of committing a large-scale irregularity in the distribution of drought relief funds. Instead of following proper guidelines, these officials allegedly deposited the compensation money into the accounts of individuals who were not entitled to it, thereby defrauding legitimate farmers.
Gadad emphasized that the officials failed to conduct the mandatory survey as per rules, leading to the illegal disbursal. The ineligible beneficiaries, spread across 25 villages, were not included in the official guidelines, making the entire process fraudulent and unlawful. This misappropriation has not only harmed the farmers but also resulted in a significant financial burden on the government.
Lack of Action and Public Outrage
A particularly concerning aspect of this case is the apparent inaction by the district administration. Gadad revealed that it has been 19 months since the Tahsildar submitted a detailed report on this irregular disbursal to the assistant commissioner of Bailhongal. Despite this, no corrective measures have been taken, leading to widespread public outrage and frustration among the affected communities.
In response to this negligence, Gadad has written a formal letter to the chief secretary, demanding immediate action. His demands include:
- Registering a criminal case against the responsible officials.
- Recovering the misappropriated Rs 1.1 crore from the salaries of these officers.
- Ensuring the funds are returned to the government treasury promptly.
Threat of Legal Action
Expressing his determination to seek justice, Gadad issued a stern warning to the authorities. He stated that if the government does not wake up immediately and take concrete steps to address this issue, he will move the High Court. Additionally, he hinted at the possibility of farmers launching a legal fight to reclaim their rightful compensation and hold the erring officials accountable.
This case highlights the critical role of RTI activists in uncovering corruption and ensuring transparency in government schemes. It also underscores the need for stricter oversight and quicker response mechanisms to prevent such scams from causing long-term damage to both the exchequer and public trust.
