Mangaluru MLA Slams Government for Outsourcing Ad Contracts to Tamil Nadu Firm
Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has launched a scathing criticism against the government for unilaterally awarding tenders for advertisements within the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits and the installation of traffic police umbrellas to an individual from Tamil Nadu. Kamath emphasized that this was done without informing local authorities, police departments, or elected representatives, raising serious concerns about transparency and governance.
Allegations of Rule Violation and Favoritism
During the legislature session on Monday, Kamath highlighted that the government disregarded established rules and regulations in this process. He accused the administration of favoring outsiders over local advertisers who have operated in Mangaluru for years and consistently paid taxes. "The government has shown a clear bias by neglecting our local businesses and instead awarding contracts to an individual from another state," Kamath stated.
He further alleged that those who approached the court to challenge this injustice are now facing intimidation tactics. "This is not just about contracts; it's about undermining the legal rights of our citizens," he added, pointing to a pattern of suppression.
Financial Implications and Corruption Concerns
Kamath revealed that the city corporation currently earns approximately Rs 3.5 crore from advertisements. However, he argued that with proper management and transparency, this revenue could potentially increase to up to Rs 10 crore. "Instead of maximizing earnings for public benefit, the government has enabled corruption by bypassing local stakeholders," he questioned, urging for an investigation into the matter.
Issues with Traffic Police Umbrella Installations
The MLA detailed specific problems with the installation of traffic police umbrellas, which were placed without coordination. "For any work within city limits, such as installing a road hump, we need coordination among local administration, police, and various authorities. Here, without informing anyone, umbrellas were installed everywhere—on footpaths, spaces left for road widening, stormwater drains, and even in the middle of roads," Kamath explained.
Additionally, boards were placed on these police outposts, directing those interested in advertising to contact them directly. "This creates confusion and accountability issues, as people are now questioning us elected representatives for the government's mistakes," he said.
Support from Speaker and Call for Action
Speaker UT Khader has supported Kamath's concerns, mentioning that he ordered the removal of a traffic police umbrella on a road in his own constituency due to similar issues. Kamath concluded by calling for immediate corrective measures to ensure local involvement and adherence to regulations in future tenders and public works.
The controversy underscores growing tensions between state-level decisions and local governance, with calls for greater transparency and community engagement in administrative processes.
