Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)

Udupi, Oct 20: CITU has expressed anguish over alleged corruption in state construction worker’s welfare board. The CITU has condemned the handing over by BJP ministers and MLAs who have been swallowing 40% of the state revenue of Rs 450 crores set aside for the welfare of poor construction workers. It has urged to get back the Rs 450 crores handed over to the slum boards.

CITU state president Balakrishna Shetty said that lacs of construction workers in the state have got their names registered in their welfare boards. “Thousands among them are waiting for funds to construct their houses. The board president and the labour minister bowed to the pressure of the BJP minister and have transferred the amount to the agency betraying the workers. The minister and MLA in the state are trying to loot large amounts by way of commission. Minister V Somanna has used the funds of the central and state governments, registered thousands of fake construction workers in the board and has looted hundreds of crores. Minister Shivarama Hebbar has indulged in irregularities of hundreds of crores during the Covid. The workers have applied for sites and are waiting but the board officials have not formed a definite project,” he said.

“The amount transferred to the slum board should be obtained back and only genuine workers should be provided monetary help to construct houses. The construction workers have started protests from October 10 which will be spread in the state on October 20. A memorandum has been submitted to the deputy commissioner in Udupi in this connection,” he said.

“The building construction in Udupi depends on the availability of sand. An appeal submitted to the chief minister in this connection was futile. Mass protests will be held if the government continues to be indifferent,” he said.

Convener Suresh Kallagar and Ronald Qadros were present.