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Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Laptop Scam: BCC appoints special investigation officer;
Belagavi: Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) commissioner Shubha B on Tuesday clarified that she has ordered a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities in the purchase and distribution of laptops to SC/ST students. The inquiry follows allegations of inflated pricing and the installation of pirated software on the distributed devices. A month ago, BCC distributed 203 laptops to meritorious SC/ST students using unutilised funds earmarked for the purpose from the past three years, supplemented by grants from the State Finance Commission (SFC). However, Dalit organisations recently staged protests in the city, accusing the corporation of supplying substandard laptops at inflated prices. During the council meeting held on Tuesday, several corporators, including Advocate Hanumant Kongali, Ravi Dhotre, Ramesh Sontakki, and Dinesh Nashipudi, raised concerns about the procurement process. Responding to the allegations, commissioner Shubha B informed the council that a special officer has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive investigation. She added that the laptops distributed to the 10 students were taken back for examination following reports of pirated software being installed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Melhor e mais barato marketing que existe Balinhas Personalizadas Undo Corporators questioned the corporation's payment of Rs 49,000 per laptop, despite the maximum retail price (MRP) on the boxes being Rs 35,000. The investigating officer stated that the local HP distributor was asked to furnish a detailed cost breakdown based on the required specifications. The contractor, according to initial findings, installed Windows and other software for an additional Rs 10,000 — a matter also under scrutiny. Corporators allege misguidance by officials Corporator Hanumant Kongali strongly criticised BCC officials, accusing them of misleading elected representatives and misusing the intended fund. "The amount was meant to offer direct financial assistance to students, not for procuring laptops. Yet, the officials convinced corporators to approve the purchase. This is a serious violation and must be thoroughly investigated," he said. Kongali further highlighted procedural lapses, noting that tenders were floated in Jan, while approval from the Standing Committee on Finance was granted only in March. He called this sequence a 'major blunder' that demands accountability. MLA Abhay Patil also held the officials responsible for misleading the corporators in the case and demanded an inquiry. Mayor Mangesh Pawar directed commissioner Shubha B to table the investigation report before the council upon completion of the probe.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BCC decides to blacklist contractors violating rules of advertisement displays
Belagavi: In a general meeting held at the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) on Saturday, various issues were discussed. These included losses incurred by the BCC in the contract of cantilevers carrying advertising boards, the stealing of files in the BCC office, property tax evasion by the Vega Funmobile Pvt Ltd, the controversy over the creation of 14 PIDs for a single layout near Godsewadi, and violations of rules in property tax collection. At the beginning of the meeting, BJP member Hanumant Kongali was unanimously elected as the leader of the ruling party. The decision to blacklist contractors who violated the rules regarding the display of advertisements was taken. The meeting directed BCC officials to take possession of all the cantilevers installed in Belagavi by May 6. MLA Abhay Patil stated that a cantilever contract was given to Ravi Kabadagi , a native of Hubballi. However, even after the contract period expired, they were not removed. Due to this, the revenue of the BCC was lost. However, the officials are hesitating to take action against those who committed the mistake. Action should be taken against the officer for stealing the files. MLA Asif Raju Sait said to provide information after getting the file and to write a letter to the urban development department secretary in this regard. Members of the ruling party demanded that there is no need to write a letter to the urban development department secretary. They suggested handing over this case to the Lokayukta for investigation. A resolution was passed that all the cantilevers leased by Ravi should be taken into the possession of the corporation before May 6. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Neurologist: 9 Out of 10 People with Neuropathy Overlook This Key Insight Nerve Relief Read More Undo Ramesh Sontakki, a Congress member, said that the unveiling of the statue of Devara Dasimayya and naming the main road of the city after Dasimayya were on the agenda list of the previous meeting. Mayor Mangesh Pawar announced a resolution regarding the unveiling of the statue and naming the main road of the city after Dasimayya. The ruling BJP members demanded that the harassment of agents has increased in e-property registration. The malpractice and the harassment of agents should be stopped. Revenue department commissioner Reshma Talikote said that the BCC imposed a fine of Rs 7,08,66,578 on Vega Funmobile Private Limited for violating building construction rules. When the company's properties were re-inspected, it came to light that the company did not pay taxes. Shubha B, BCC commissioner, said that legal action has been taken in this regard. A notice was issued to the company on April 25, and it was asked to pay the full tax dues. Corporators Hanumant Kongali, Girish Dhongadi, Ramesh Sontakki, MLA Abhay Patil, MLA Raju Sait, and others participated in the discussion.
