The Karnataka government has uncovered serious financial and execution-related irregularities in several state-sponsored infrastructure projects under the minority welfare department. This revelation came after the state government relieved senior official Gilani Mokashi of his duties as director with immediate effect, following allegations of irregularities in the utilization of Rs 600 crore earmarked for minority welfare.
Show-Cause Notice and Systemic Failures
The action followed a show-cause notice that highlighted systemic failures within the department. The notice formed part of a broader government move to address alleged corruption and lapses in executing civil works under the department. The probe covered a wide range of projects, including minority colonies, residential schools, Morarji Desai colleges, student hostels, madrasa buildings, compound walls, and projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).
Director's Responsibilities and Alleged Suppression
According to the notice, the director was responsible for quality control, field supervision, and structural inspections. The government alleged that despite repeated complaints from watchdogs, the director's office suppressed information and failed to submit mandatory reports. This lack of accountability allowed irregularities to persist unchecked.
Inflated Project Estimates and Poor Execution
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 the quality of execution remained poor. Anagawadi Nabi Nadaf, secretary of the BJP's state minority wing, claimed that most contracts were routed through the Karnataka State Habitat Centre under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Ltd. He alleged that hostel compound wall DPRs were initially pegged at Rs 100 crore and later revised to Rs 80 crore, still violating PWD norms.
Nadaf further alleged that the Congress government released 60% of funds in 2023, yet no project was completed even after two years. He accused ministers and officials of involvement in the irregularities. The former director was asked to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) explaining the irregularities. Secretary Shamla Iqbal, who confirmed the irregularities, could not be reached for further comment.
