Lokayukta notice to Govt for delay in Aasare scheme

“We have issued a notice on May 25 to the nodal officer and sought his explanation on the allegation, so that preliminary investigation can be done,” Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde said.

The Lokayukta has also sought an explanation on the alleged contradictory statements by the Chief Minister on funds raised by public for rehabilitation work. He had initially stated that nearly Rs 1,000 crore has been contributed by people. Later, he said the Government had received around Rs 40 crore in the form of cash.

The notice has been issued based on a complaint filed by JD(S) spokesperson Y S V Datta. However, the nodal officer M Lakshminarayan, who is also Secretary to the Chief Minister, said he has not received the notice.

As many as 13 North Karnataka districts were flooded after unprecedented rains at the end of November 2009, displacing lakhs of people. The Government declared to construct 60,000 houses for the displaced people within six months under the Aasare scheme.
Chief Minister Yeddyurappa conducted a ‘padayatra’ in Bangalore for three days and raised funds for the house construction. Non-government organisations also came forward in a big way to help the Government. NGOs took up the responsibility to construct houses, while the Government agreed to provide them with land.

The Government failed to even completely launch the scheme in six months, let alone finish it. The Chief Minister later said all houses will be constructed before the onset of monsoon. So far, the Government has been able to start construction of only 16,000 houses.

According to Lakshminarayan, all houses will be constructed in the next seven months. The Government has initiated the process to construct 38,000 houses in 186 affected villages. The work in other places will begin shortly, he added.

Yeddyurappa said he would make public the details regarding the funds raised for the flood relief a day before the State Legislature commences on June 28.
He also asked the Congress to place before the people the funds it raised for the flood relief.

Yeddyurappa admitted the government could not provide houses to the flood victims as promised. But the work will be expedited henceforth.