Republic Exclusive: Karnataka's Indira Canteen scheme marred by allegations of commission demands

A startling case of alleged commission demands has come to forefront, casting a shadow on Indira Canteen scheme of Congress government in Karnataka. It is alleged that officials are purportedly seeking commissions for bill payments under ambitious Indira Canteen program.

At heart of this controversy are three canteens in Haveri, Hirekerur, and Ranebennur, which collectively have accumulated pending bills exceeding Rs 35 lakh over a one-year period. Despite persistent pleas for release of se dues, officials overseeing Haveri and Ranebennur municipal corporations, as well as Hirekerur panchayat, are reportedly engaging in what is perceived as harassment against canteen operators.

Vishwanath Reddy Darshanapura, secretary of Nirmaladevi Mahila Mandal located in Shahapur, Yadgir district, which is responsible for operating three Indira canteens, has made startling allegation that y have been subjected to relentless pressure to pay commissions in exchange for settling ir bills. contractor has filed a complaint to DC. 

Congress' flagship Indira Canteen programme was designed to provide affordable meals to masses and alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Any allegations of financial impropriety within system undermine very core of programme's objectives. 

Officials rebut allegations of commission

Republic confronted officials of District Urban Development Cell of Haveri, Mamata Hosagud, who denied allegations that bribe was demanded. “body has asked for money. We should use government money and t misuse it. He ( contractor) has given bills for higher number of plates and refore re was a difference between bills and footfall reports. commissioners have submitted this. Isn't this wrong on part of contractor?”

“y should submit bills every month but he's submitted bills in last 15-20 days… bribe being demanded by commissioners is false. se are baseless allegations. If he has any proof let him give it,” DUDC official said.

Adding furr, Hosagud said that matter will be investigated and things will be sorted out within a week. “I will investigate matter. I will issue tices to both commissioners of Haveri and Ranebennur. I will also ask m to appear for questioning that an enquiry will be held. tice will be served to City municipal commissioners. Within a week this will be sorted.”

It is pertinent to mention that recently presented state budget has bread new life into Indira canteens with a significant allocation of Rs 100 crore. This funding was anunced approximately a month after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued directives to reopen se canteens that had previously been closed.