Ex-BJP corporator alleges scam in condom purchase

'Funds have been misused in the name of AIDS prevention'

Former BJP corporator N R Ramesh on Monday charged that large scale irregularities have taken place in the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS). Addressing reporters, Ramesh said KSAPS receives hundreds of crores of rupees from various sources including the Union government, the state government and the Bill Gates Foundation for AIDS prevention.

“In the name of AIDS prevention, these funds have been squandered,” stated Ramesh. To substantiate his claim, he gave copies of documents which show that bogus entries were made.“The chief minister and the health minister are president and vice president of this society respectively. Most of the scam happened when U T Khader was the Health Minister,” said Ramesh.

He said KSAPS had started the Condom Social Marketing Programme, intended to distribute condoms among women in flesh trade. “Instead of procuring condoms from the government agency, KSAPS bought them from a private company,” he stated. Ramesh added that the government stated that there are 82,000 women, 29,000 gays, 1,700 transgenders suffering from AIDS. KSAPS also showed in its records that 1.62 lakh migrants and 80,000 truck drivers have also undergone tests.

“However, KSAPS did not reveal how much money was spent on these tests and treatment because all these details were bogus,” said Ramesh.

Khader denies charges
Reacting to the allegations,  Khader, who is now the food and civil supplies minister, said Ramesh has a habit of making false allegations. “We never shy away from any enquiry. Let the probe happen. I say this confidently because I never indulge in such activities,” said Khader.