From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Feb 17: Mines and geology minister Murugesh Nirani has cracked whip on corrupt officials by ordering the suspension of two senior officials in his department.
The minister took the action after receiving written complaints from mining companies against the two officials accused of indulging in massive corruption and encouraging illegal activities in Bagalkot district.
The minister held a meeting with officials and owners of mining companies on February 16 and passed the order suspending the two senior officials after it was found that the accused officials prima facie indulged in corruption and other irregularities.
The accused officials are BM Lingaraju, deputy director, mines and geology department, Chitradurga and Fayaz Ahmed Sheikh, geologist, deputy director’s office, mines and geology department, Bagalkot.
BM Lingaraju was accused of indulging in massive corruption and harassing owners of stone quarrying companies when he was functioning as acting (in-charge) deputy director of mines and geology department in Bagalkot from October 26, 2016, to September 3, 2018.
Following directions from the minister, Director, Mines and Geology Department Ramesh DS has recommended Additional Chief Secretary (MSME & Mines), Commerce and Industries department to suspend BM Lingaraju from service effective February 16, 2021.
Geologist Fayaz Ahmed Sheikh who has been functioning in Bagalkot since September 25, 2014, accused of harassing owners of stone quarrying companies and indulging in massive corruption.
Acting on the instructions of the minister, Ramesh DS, director and disciplinary authority, mines and geology department has suspended Geologist Fayaz Ahmed Sheikh effective and ordered a departmental inquiry from February 16, 2021.
The duo is also accused of encouraging illegal activities and harassing the public. Murugesh Nirani has sent a strong message to corrupt officials by initiating action against the two officials for dereliction of duty and for violating Karnataka Civil Service (Code of Conduct Rules 1966 Rule 3). The minister had earlier promised to bring transparency in administration and tough action against officials involved in corruption and irregularities.
Promises to solve infrastructure problems in Bilagi
Addressing a mass contact programme in Kalagadi village of Bilagi assembly constituency of Bagalkot, the minister promised to make honest efforts to solve the infrastructure problems and the problems of the people as it had given him a political life.
Nirani said he was fully aware of the problems of people in the constituency. He said he has listed the problems like roads, drainage and construction of barrage were among the major demands of the people and said he would strive to solve them during his term.
He said he had tried to construct a barrage in the constituency at a cost of Rs 70 crore but the project was shelved by the subsequent government.
Nirani also promised to solve the problems of non-availability of sand for the common people and announced that a new sand mining policy would be unveiled shortly.