From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 15: Karnataka’s Municipal Administration Minister Balachandra Jarkiholi entrusted the Lokayukta the task of probing into irregularities occurred during execution of urban development works in several urban local bodies in the State.

The Minister said he had received complaints of irregularities in several city municipal councils and town panchayats.

To ensure execution of projects in a transparent manner in the future, the department has decided ask the Lokayukta to probe into irregularities occurred during the implementation of road, drinking water, drainage and other works in urban local bodies, he said.

Laxity on the part of officials of ULBs, he said led to several complaints of poor execution of works and swindling of money sanctioned for projects has been received.

A comprehensive probe by Lokayukta would reveal the truth and officials behind corrupt practices, he claimed.

A sum of Rs 1068 crore had been released to 210 urban local bodies in the State to take up various development works, the Minister said.

He also said that the department has received 400 proposals to upgrade gram panchayats to town panchayats and 10 town panchayats into town municipal councils. All these proposals would be examined in a few days and a decision would be taken to upgrade them, he said.