JD(S) seeks judicial probe into 'misuse' of economic school funds

The JD(S) on Friday demanded a judicial probe into "blatant misuse" of funds allotted for setting up Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics (BRASE) in Bengaluru.

Addressing a press conference, JD(S) spokesperson and MLC Ramesh Babu charged that Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi with being involved in the irregularities and running the institution to suit his needs.

Babu accused  Rayareddi of violating the rule book to bring BRASE under the aegis of Karnataka Higher Education Council, of which he is the chairman.
Babu said that while Rs 90 crore had been approved by state Cabinet for the construction of buildings for BRASE, the Council sanctioned Rs 150 crore and allotted the project to Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) without following the transparency law.

Besides, officers who pointed out the lapses were shunted out. Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Khuntia had already ordered a departmental inquiry into construction work pertaining to BRASE after he received a complaint from IAS officer M N Ajay Nagabhushan.

Nagabhushan, who was Commissioner, Department of Collegiate Education, was transferred recently. "If a free and fair judicial probe is not ordered immediately, then crores of rupees meant for BRASE will be looted," Babu warned.