The state government of Karnataka has established a committee to investigate alleged irregularities within the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (KEONICS). Heading this inquiry committee will be retired IAS officer SD Meena. This decision follows observations made by the Principal Accountant General during the Compliance Audit of KEONICS covering the period from 2018-19 to 2022-23.
The committee, as per the directive, will include a financial expert (a retired SAAD official) and a technical expert to aid in the auditing process. The directive outlines various concerns raised by the Principal Accountant General’s audit team, highlighting 45 audit objections regarding transactions and procurement practices at KEONICS during the specified period.
“Following the submission of 45 audit inquiries by the Principal Accountant General audit team on the transactions and procurements of goods by KEONICS for the specified period, the proposal from the Managing Director, KEONICS, has been reviewed. Major findings indicate gaps and deficiencies such as unclear technical specifications in products, lack of proper certifications for third-party inspections, absence of seals or dates on delivery challans, and non-compliance with standard tender document procedures for vendor selection,” stated the order.
Cabinet minister Priyank Kharge, in a statement on social media, accused the previous BJP government of procuring IT peripherals at significantly inflated costs, ranging from 38% to 1577%. He criticized the BJP’s diversionary tactics, citing audit objections totaling over ₹430 crore between 2018-19 and 2022-23.
“There have been 45 audit objections raised by the Comptroller & Auditor General between 2018-19 & 2022-23. @BJP4Karnataka Govt procured IT peripherals at escalated costs ranging from 38% to 1577%,” Priyank Kharge mentioned.
The government has initiated an investigation into the alleged Bitcoin scam, Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) recruitment, and accusations by the contractors’ association regarding the BJP government demanding a 40% commission for clearing development projects.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed complaints from contractors in 10 districts regarding delays in bill processing under the Nagarothana project during a media interaction in Davangere. He assured to probe any claims of state officials causing delays in bill processing under the project, which commenced in 2016-17 with an allocation of ₹2890.00 Crore, comprising a 50% grant from the government and a 50% loan from KUIDFC.
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