Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE RACIAL MIRROR

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 The Racial Mirror 

 The recent spate of racial attacks on Indians in Australia might have subsided, but, it has indeed opened up many a debate on the issue. While at first I admit that it definitely has hurted me and completely empathize the conditions of the victims, I also condemn myself that we as a collective Indian society are also responsible for inculcating the same feelings. 

 I understand that you may be surprised and shocked at my words but let us consider the facts below. While we talk about patriotism on one hand we also have our own classifications within our nations. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar workers not allowed in Maharashtra, North Indians are victimized in South India and vice versa, North East people are ill treated in other parts of the country, a singer is asked to apologize for not speaking as a Marathi, a film star is victimized for talking about peace and harmony with the neighbouring country, a minister in Andhra Pradesh asks the cricket team to boycott the tournament since Hyderabad was not selected as a venue for the game. 

The list will go on and on, isn’t it? So now you understand that while we get frustrated about the attacks on Indians by outsiders and burn with patriotism, we are all back home, favouring and practicing racism. 

 It is a fact that our constitution promotes Unity in Diversity and that we all believe in oneness, but that is all in the constitution. In practice we are all racist and divided by not one but many classifications. Region, race, religion, culture, colour, status, power, achievements, gender, age, seniority etc etc. We all practically have hatred against our fellow Indians and wait for the opportunity to harm him. Honestly speaking, the harming would bring us satisfaction. Then, the question of patriotism on the racial attacks on Indians by outsiders holds no value. 

 The reason could also be that this racism has evolved among us perhaps due to our incompetence. With our monopoly and expertise coming under severe stiff competitions, we are left with the option of racial discrimination. If the prestigious Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University are now being filled by the students of Bihar, UP, South India and North East, people of Delhi in order to suppress the fact of their incompetence and stiff challenge will be forced to resort to racial discrimination. This is the case in perhaps all the classifications. 

 Then let us face the plain facts. We, as the collective Indian society are all bloody racists. And till the time we live in the glass houses, we should refrain from throwing stones. And before we speak of Nationalism and Patriotism we must first get rid of bigotry, persecution complex, jingoism and conspiracy theory.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter Victimisation of the victims

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 Victimisation of the victims 

 Ever since the rape case of the minister Halappa surfaced, he has been hospitalized for treatment for his weak health. He’s not the one to find asylum in the hospital, there were several others involved in such similar cases do voluntarily seek asylum and shelter, and run for their safety and to gain time. Swami Nityananda of the Bidadi Ashram is also not an exception. He has already attained freedom and commenced his activities of rendering discourses on the topic of ‘freedom’. A 2-term MLA from Honnalli in Davangere District Renukacharya has been an accused in the criminal case based on the complaint filed by Jayalakshmi, who was finally made to withdraw the case. 

The real victims in these cases are Chandravati – a mother of 2, who was raped by the honourable minister, Lenin – the driver of Swami Nityananda and Jalayalakshi in the case of Renukacharya, all of them have been facing severe mental torture and agony just for their act of exposing the reality of their cases to the public and for the cause of seeking justice. 

And there are victims of other kinds as well. S K Modi – the whistle blower with regard to the exposing about the illegal mining activities of the 2 honourable ministers of the state, Hussein Farooq - the complainant and Amen Pasha – the witness are the victims of the bribery case involving the MLA Sampangi of Kolar all were threatened, tortured and a few of them even kidnapped by the accused, including an IAS officer M.N. Vijayakumar, who had been a whistle blower and had exposed serious corrupt practices at high levels in Karnataka and S. Manjunath, a formerly manager at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), and crusader against adulteration of petrol. He was shot dead on November 19, 2005, allegedly by a petrol pump owner from Uttar Pradesh. 

Such is the fate of the victims, whistle blowers and crusaders, but the accused – they always go scot free!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE GREAT DAMAGER Story of a KLAC Manager who excelled in manipulations

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE GREAT DAMAGER 

 Story of a KLAC Manager who excelled in manipulations 

 India is a Nation of scams and more importantly it is also famous for non punishment to the accused. But the common Indian has no idea about the blatant corruption that takes place in the Government run organizations. And if any one does come to know about the corrupt undertakings and happenings, it will drive him nuts for sure. 

 Let us ask a few common questions to ourselves and see what the answers should be. 

 What will an organisation, either a Government or a private one do if any of its officials is accused of:- 

(a) Executing sub standard and bogus works? 

(b) Claiming excess bills and bogus ones? 

(c) Purchases more materials than necessary? 

(d) Held guilty by the Lokayukta? 

 Of course any one with a common sense would say that that official must be sacked and penalized and recovery proceedings should be undertaken against him for indulging in misappropriations while holding a responsible public post. 

 Unfortunately, not in the case of Mr. S.V.Venkatesh Murthy, an official of Karnataka Land Army Corporation. There has been no action taken against the said official and astonishingly, on the contrary, the official was granted promotion after promotion. Currently, an exclusive post of General Manager has been temporarily created to accommodate this corrupt official Mr. S.V.Venkatesh Murthy. It should be noted that the Government had earlier approved the creation of two General Manager Posts on temporary basis and that too for a period of just one year. However, the KLAC is blatantly continuing with this arrangement even after the expiry of one year period. In fact, the KLAC has no fear to bother about the Government’s permission for continuation of temporary posts of General Managers because the Principal Secretary, Finance, M.R.Srinivasa Murthy is the godfather of S.V.Venkatesh. Mr. Venkatesh regularly browbeats the top brass in the name of M.R.Srinivasa. 

 MY CONNECTIONS EVERYWHERE-

 As per records Mr. S.V.Venkatesh is a very fortunate man for he has successfully obtained high links at strategic place. When at first he made a mess of IRWS works during his durbar as DD in Dharwar, the then in charge CMD Mr. V.R. Gudi bailed him out. 

 Mr. Venkatesh had played havoc then. He indulged in sub standard works, bogus works, inflated bills, excess claims, purchase of materials far in excess of required quantity etc. etc. While Karnataka Land Army Corporation was sure to earn handsome profit out of this contract, it actually suffered losses due to manipulations by Mr. Venkatesh. In fact, Mr. Venkatesh had also executed works which were not even mentioned or approved. 

Finally, the KLAC top brass, particularly Mr.V.R. Gudi and M.R.Srinivasa moved hell and earth to convince the entrusting agency to pay more service charges. Besides, they also convinced them to clear inflated and bogus bills after having known about the sub standard works. 

 DO HELL WITH THE LOKAYUKTA-

 It should be noted that even the Lokayukta had conducted an enquiry into the charges of misappropriation against Mr.S.V.Venkatesh and others and had also held the charges as proved. The Lokayukta had directed the KLAC to initiate action against Mr. Venkatesh for misappropriation of several lakhs in purchase of steel etc. But Mr. V.R. Gudi, instead of taking action against him, freed him of all the charges which were held proved by the Lokayukta. Later Mr. Venkatesh was sent abroad for training. 

 But later Mr. V.R. Gudi was thrown out of KLAC, Mr. K.S.Manjunath became the MD and started operation clean up. Quite naturally, Mr. Venkatesh’s blunders also came under the scanner. Mr. Manjunath issued notice to Mr. Venkatesh to make good the ‘excess’ amount of more than four crores to KLAC or face the charges. Mr. Venkatesh got himself transferred and shockingly even Mr, Mr. Manjunath did not follow up the case later. 

 BACK TO SQUARE ONE-

 Then, Mr. A.S. Srikanth, succeeded Mr. Manjunath. Mr. Srikanth was a total money minded man. Anybody could get anything by paying him the requisite money. Mr. Venkatesh once again seized the opportunity and was back to KLAC and quite obvious as it appears, Mr. Srikanth simply ignored the follow up actions to recover excess money from Mr. Venkatesh. 

 LUCK FAVOURS THE DONKEY-

 Further to Mr. Venkatesh’s fortune, his godfather for all these years, Mr. M.R.Srinivasa Murthy became the BMP Commissioner. Mr. Murthy offered to entrust Footpath works worth more than 20 crores to KLAC but he put a condition that Mr. Venkatesh should be entrusted with the works. Mr. Srikanth of course agreed and Mr. Venkatesh was then promoted to the JD cadre and a separate BMP zone was created to accommodate him. 

 The BMP and later BBMP works executed by Mr. Venkatesh were all out and substandard. Of the total Footpath works more than 60% of the works were done by private contractors who got it as sub contract from Mr. Venkatesh and his team by paying them 30 to 35 percent commission. In fact, there was no need for laying concrete block footpaths after removing the cobble stone foot paths. 

The cobble stone foot paths have stood the test of the time and the BMP would have saved several crores if the renovations of footpaths were done by replacing the damaged stone slabs and relaying the existing slabs. But Mr. Srinivasa had a different plan. Later, 90 percent of the footpaths laid by KLAC have gone waste. Most of the cement curbstones and tiles have come off and the footpaths have already worn out. The BBMP was forced to lay many footpaths afresh, some with Sira stones or mosaic tiles. The BMP had also entrusted around 100 Hi tech toilets, at cost of more than 9 crores which also became non-functional in a span of two to three years. 

 BAAP KA RAJ-

 As long as Mr Srinivasa remained the BMP Commissioner, Mr. S.V.Venkatesh had a gala time. He used to draw advance from BMP as per his whims and fancies. There was nobody in BMP who could question the quality and quantum of works done by him as Mr. Srinivasa was his protector. In fact, even in cases of proven sub standard works, Mr. Srinivasa had made the payment. 

 There is still more in the book of the corrupt Mr. Venkatesh, but what is most hurting is that in spite of knowing about his manipulations he was never questioned rather he was promoted for his good. This explains the set up of cob web of corruption in our system. It is indeed a shame that people like Mr. Venkatesh move freely in the society and indulges in rampant corruption fearlessly under the protection of officials entrusted with the duty of public welfare. 

Shame…….

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE SECOND PARTITION OF INDIA The caste-based census will damage the National integrity

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 The second Partition of India 

 The caste-based census will damage the National integrity 

 India across the world is famous for its massive population and the constant dramas that bring shame to it time and again. It so happens that the Nation engulfs itself in some or the other irrational issue that not only creates irritation to the honest countrymen but also degrades it in the eyes of international community. By now, India has already successfully built its image as a communal based Nation whose majority does not tolerate the minority in spite of boasting itself as a Nation of University in Diversity. 

 Whatsoever, our beloved Nation is in news again for a stupid reason that it is planning to calculate a caste based census for the year 2011. 

We all understand that taking a census once in decade is indeed a mandatory statistical requirement that helps the Nation plan its growth. In simpler terms, the data of how much is our population helps us in many ways of which one is to prepare a plan for our own consumption of requisites which is also already divided area wise. 

 If we go back to our Independence time, we had stalwarts like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, B R Ambedkar and Maulana Azad, who all unanimously opposed the caste-based census and claimed that such a census would indeed divide the Nation. While our current political leaders consider our old leaders as the framers of our Nation and its basic principles, they are on the other hand openly dumping their beliefs and marching towards damaging the integrity of our country. 

 In the year 1951, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister, he commented his view on caste-based census. He suggested that the caste-based census would attack the very essence of Indian unity which would be damaged in the long run. The same was also accepted by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel. 

If we consider the speech of the architect of our constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, it becomes visibly clear that he has laid emphasis on the National unity. In his speech on motion for the adoption of the Constitution on 25th November, 1949, he said that "I am of opinion that in believing that we are a nation, we are cherishing a great delusion. How can people be divided into several thousands of castes be a nation? ... 

These castes are anti-national in the first place, because they bring about separation in social life. They are anti-national also because they generate jealousy and antipathy between caste and caste. But we must overcome all these difficulties if we wish to become a nation in reality. For fraternity can be a fact only when there is a nation. Without fraternity, equality and liberty will be no deeper than coats of paint." 

The logic behind taking caste-based census is very simple. It will definitely be of no use to India, but, it will definitely help the dividing politicians to obtain the exact number of caste-division, so that they can indulge in manipulation and play the game of power mathematics. 

 Its makes a sense for our Nation to take census based on region, economic level, educational level etc; but it is indeed foolish for us to take census based on caste. What benefit will it eventually give us if we come to know that there are so many various castes and so many followers? Will it help the Government in formulating policies for the growth of the Nation taking into consideration the caste-based figures? 

 While there are also number of protest within the cabinet and the Nation opposing the caste-based census, let us wait and see whether the wicked Politicians empowers the very essence of India’s integrity and succeed in taking out the caste-based census. If they do so, then soon, God forbid, but, our country will start breaking into numerous fragments. We will wait and see. 

Time will tell……….

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BANGALORE ENCROACHED

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 BANGALORE ENCROACHED 

 The monsoon season has already set in and the city awaits the magnificent rainfall this year in optimism. There is a possibility of a massive rain also which could inundate Bangalore and sink the low lying areas. And of course we all know that the BBMP would blame the encroachment for the flooding and escape. Then there will be assurances and false promises by the BBMP and Bangalore Ministers about their determination to clear the encroachments. And once the rains ceases, the business is back to square one till the next rainy season. Till such time Bangalore witnesses another flood like situation, nobody complains. 

 In 2005 if you remember, Bangalore was flooded beyond imagination. The low lying areas were overflowed with water gushing from overflowed tanks. The government blamed the people for encroachments of Raja Kaluves and since then every Government and the BBMP continue to harp on the ‘encroachment’ being the sole reason and people believed it. People are used to sufferings and at the maximum; they would curse the Government and the BBMP officials. Even if we assume that encroachments were the main reason, why does the BBMP do not prevent such encroachments and clear the already existing ones? The hard truth is that none of the politicians or responsible authorities has spared a thought on betterment of civic infrastructure. They have just learnt to escape the responsibility by blaming the encroachments and doing nothing to rectify the situation. 

 Undoubtedly, the best way to tackle the floods in Bangalore is to clear the existing encroachments and prevent any more encroachments in future. The storm water drains have to be given utmost attention as takes the burden of the floods. It is also a fact that since 1995 various Governments have spent crores and crores of rupees in the name of modernizing the storm water drains but with no result. In many cases, the BBMP had also built the retaining walls on either side of the drains but due to sub standard works, there were collapses of retaining walls in many places. 

 There are also cases wherein the BBMP itself had a careless approach to the drain. It permitted establishments of shops and residences on the drains by enclosing them with slab stones. Besides, there are cases wherein Land sharks have grabbed the drain and tank areas and used it for personal gains. There are also instances where BBMP itself has sealed the drain and the tanks and allowed parks and sports utilities to come up on it. In some cases even the politicians have successfully converted the drain and tank area to be used for commercial activities. In such situations, water will overflow and flood the surrounding areas where the drains are sealed. 

 Unless the Storm water drains are improved nothing can stop the floods in Bangalore and it has to be tackled urgently. It is easier to say that all encroachments will be cleared but difficult to implement. There are cases where in the civic body itself has provided legitimacy by giving plan sanction and civic amenities to many of the houses who have encroached the tanks and drains. There are slums on the drains and tanks which make it a delicate issue that needs a political will to tackle the same. 

 If the BBMP authorities take up the civic problem seriously then it can prevent any further encroachments. However, clearing of the existing encroachment will need government’s support and back up. Shockingly, the BBMP does not have proper information and facts about the actual encroachments on either side of the drains. It might have the satellite images but it cannot become their concrete information. Therefore the first step to clearing drains would be information on the encroachments. 

 In order to arrive at the exact encroachments, the BBMP will have to form an expert committee of surveyors. The committee will have to study the old survey records - village maps to identify the tanks, Rajakaluves and mark the boundaries. This will indeed require a study of survey records dating back to about 50 years. 

 If this is done, the committee can accumulate the minute details of encroachments of Rajakaluves and tanks. Though this will need a lot of time and man power, it can be substantially be reduced if the committee makes use of the survey reports by the team of surveyors who have conducted extensive survey three years back for the AT Ramaswamy Commission of enquiry for the encroachments of the government lands. This particular survey to a substantial extent has identified the encroached government lands and tanks. It will be a sort of ready reckoner which can help in the identification of encroachments of drains and tanks. 

 Next the government will have to clear the encroachments. It is here that the government should approach the clearance drive with human touch. While nobody wants the government to compensate the apartments on encroached lands, the government should provide rehabilitation package to people who have built small houses. They should be provided with sites either from BDA or in the Ashraya scheme. They should be provided housing loans at cheaper interest also. Once they receive the site, they should be asked to vacate the houses on encroached lands immediately. In a matter of days, the entire encroachments will get cleared. In that event, the court litigations will not arise. For those who refuse to vacate despite the rehabilitation package, they should be evicted without mercy. 

 Then, the entire stretch of drains should be fenced to prevent any more encroachments. The same has to be repeated in case of encroachments of tanks. The inter linkage of tanks should be restored to its original pattern. If all these measures are taken, Bangalore will get rid off any future flooding and this will also raise the ground water level in addition to keeping ecological balance. Is there anyone listening?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter Aadmi Ka Kya Hua? The Forgotten Promises

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 Aam Aadmi Ka Kya Hua? 

 The forgotten promises 

‘Congress ka haath, aam aadmi ka saath’ (The Congress party is always with the common man), which literally means that the Congress Party would care for the poor people, understand about their requirements, address their poverty and resolve the problems of their sufferings. This has been the party’s watchword and slogan for winning the elections and capturing the seat of power. 

 More than 50 per cent of the people living under the poverty-line are in 8 states including the UP, Bihar and West Bengal. Their status of poverty has been placed on par with that of 26 poorest African countries according to a UNDP report. The sufferings of the poor people and their status of the poverty need not necessarily be reported by any international agency, because it’s well known by everyone of us, especially by our own politicians, those who are in power or otherwise. 

 The poor people living in the villages never have witnessed any progress or development during the past 60 years, except for the verbal promises that have been delivered by the contesting parties prior to the respective elections. The conditions of their lives have been deteriorating further and further after every successful election. 

 These villagers are dying for a simple life. The parties in power have never bothered to look into their problems and attempted to resolve them sincerely. In addition to, subsequent failures of monsoons have caused their lands to go dry rendering them barren and unworthy for cultivation. India is a blessed land agriculturally and agriculture is the base and foundation for the people. 

 The prices of consumables, such as, rice, wheat, pulses, edible oils and other essential commodities have gone beyond the reach of the common man. The Ministry of Agriculture has done absolutely nothing during the past 2 years towards keeping the prices under control. Several tonnes of rice, wheat and other pulses stored in the FCI godowns are getting rotten and have become unworthy for consumption. The public distribution system (PDS) has failed in its cause of helping the poor living below the poverty line, whereas it has helped the middlemen, swindlers and bootleggers. 

 The UPA at the centre and the governments at the states have been virtually cheating the people by giving false statements for the miserable current state of affairs concerning the availability of food and its reach to the poor. Further the price of fuel – the main component of the economy drive, has further influenced the hike in the prices of the commodities. The fuel prices could be brought down if the centre and state governments think to help the poor and bring down the taxes imposed on it at least by 50 per cent. 

 It’s high time the respective governments at the centre and states thought and implemented necessary steps to increase the supply of the essential basic commodities to the needy, especially those living below the poverty line.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter The downing of a Crusader – Santosh Hegde’s Case The Lokpal and the Lokayuktas

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 The downing of a Crusader – Santosh Hegde’s Case 

The Lokpal and the Lokayuktas 

The administrative reforms commission set up by the then Prime Minister in 1966 recommended establishment of Lokayuktas in the states with the purpose to eradicate the then prevailing corruption and to report about their functionality to the Lokpal at the centre. The heads of the Lokayuktas and the Lokpal are known as the Lokayuktas. 

The Lokayuktas are empowered to look into the complaints against mis- and mal-administrative actions, corruptions, arbitrariness, nepotism and indiscipline found in the administrative circles. Their main aim is to see that the public is not inconvenienced in the process of getting administrative clearances from the government offices. 

The Lokayuktas of Karnataka 

 A D Koshal was the first among the Lokayuktas appointed to the office, who had discharged his duties from 1986-1991, followed by N Ravindranath Paine (1991-1996), S A Hakeem (1996-2001), Justice N Venkatachala (2001-2006) and finally Justice N Santosh Hegde (from 2006 till date). The tenures of the previous Lokayuktas were never as turbulent as that of Justice Santosh Hegde. The Crusader Ever since Justice Santosh Hegde assumed his office he has been active in identifying the culprits involved in the corruptive administrative practices. He has been attentive, kind hearted, accessible to the common man, bold and fearless in carrying out his duties sincerely and efficiently. The most admirable part of his character is that he has never colluded with the government and concealed the corruption committed by the government machinery and its members, and never failed to bring the culprits, including the IAS, IPS babus and the likes, to the book of crime. 

Pensioners who failed to receive their pensions, patients who were denied proper treatment in the government hospitals, victims due to the callousness of the BBMP, victims of the high-handedness of the police department and the revenue departments, including the Registration departments, etc, all were so confident that there is someone behind them who would assist and extend the helping hand in their times of need and adversity. In short, Justice Santosh Hegde has been everywhere in the shape of a soulful crusader bailing everyone out from their problems irrespective of their caste and creed. 

The fear phobia 

Although he has never wanted to spread the wings of fear syndrome within the administrative circles, the phobia of fear was inculcated into the minds of the public servants automatically after every raid conducted by him. His men were too sincere enough and spread across the seamless corridors of the administrative machinery. The thought of his being everywhere alone was sufficient to the smooth functioning of the administrative machinery. It was therefore his becoming popular among the public was against the interest of the government, the netas and the babus. 

 The revelation 

During his tenure he has uncovered the corruptive practices carried out by the various governments and exposed the scams involving several crores of Rupees. He was stubborn calling a-spade-a-spade and seized several tonnes of Iron Ore illegally excavated by the companies owned by the ministers. He was transparent in revealing the seized and illegally amassed wealth of the corrupt officials of various departments to the public. He was instrumental in surrendering the seized wealth of the corrupt officials amounting to several crores of Rupees to the government treasury- an act which was never done by any other Lokayuktas in the past. He has been true and sincere in his efforts of upholding the cause and intention of the establishment of his office. 

 The dereliction 

But the government never wanted to eradicate the corruption from its fold and punish the ones involved in the corruptive practices, for the entire government is corrupt. In case there is no corruption in the government, there would not be government at all. The corrupt officials caught red-handed by the sleuths of the Lokayukta were reinstated by the government against the wishes and recommendations of the Lokayukta. The seized illegally mined Iron Ore was taken away without the knowledge of the Lokayukta, but done under very nose of the government. The government ignored appointing the Upa Lokayukta, who has been conferred with the special powers to take up the cases of corruption and deliver judgments on over 8000 pending cases. 

 Finally, successive governments have failed to give the ‘suo motto’ powers desired by the Lokayuktas which would facilitate them to prosecute the corrupt officials in the court of law. The present government, especially, the Chief Minister, who had promised, prior to his contesting elections, to honour the genuine demands and consider giving the requisite powers to the Lokayuktas, has failed to keep up his promises, instead started shedding the crocodile tears on hearing the news about the resignation tendered by the Lokayukta. 

 Public - the sufferers 

Having no head to complain about the corruption, the public at large is desperate now and would be taken to task and tortured as before by the government and its members in the coming days. The only institute which has been involved in the process of curtailing and eradicating the practices of corruption is laid down to rest and so is the Crusader's determined goal.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter UNHEALTHY PRACTICES HEALTH DEPARTMENT INDULGES IN OPEN SCAMS Day Light loot in Purchasing

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 UNHEALTHY PRACTICES 

Health Department indulges in open scams. 

Day Light loot in Purchasing 

 Dr. Nanjundappa’s report on the regional imbalances in the state a few years back became an excuse to unscrupulous and corrupt officials to indulge in blunt corruption. While the state Government is pumping crores of Rupees to provide balanced development in north Karnataka region, the officials in league with equally unscrupulous contractors and suppliers are swallowing a lion’s share of the money by taking up unnecessary projects and purchasing. 

 The state Government in its effort to take up developmental projects in the north Karnataka region decided to upgrade the 45 Primary Health Centers to 30 bed community hospitals, most of which were located in remote areas. As a first step, the Government also released 10 crores for purchase of medical equipments to these 45 ‘soon to be’ upgraded Primary Health Centers. 

 However, it is a known fact that the Government was yet to build proper buildings and infrastructure to upgrade the Public Health Centers. Yet, the Health Department immediately went on a purchase spree of technical equipments in spite of the absence of the infrastructure and the required staff. The reason was to spend Rs. 10 Crore released amount so that they can demand more in the ensuing budget. They were not bothered whether the equipments they were buying were necessary and can be made functional in the existing infrastructure. They merely wanted to spend the grants, purchase the equipments and enrich themselves along with the suppliers. 

 The X-Ray Machines 

 Their purchase of 45 sophisticated X-Ray machines provides an insight into the greediness of these officials and suppliers. 

 On the State Governments decision to upgrade 45 Primary Health Centers, Dr Ramesh, the DD (Medical) was open to an enriching opportunity and he immediately seized it. He decided to procure 45 sophisticated X-Ray machines and that too from a particular firm only. Through deft manipulations he managed the technical specification committee to stipulate particular specifications for the supply of X-Ray machines so that all other suppliers are prevented and his favourite firm gets the clearance for its tender. 

 The Health Department floated tenders for procurement of High Frequency 100 MA X-Ray machines. However, the specifications of the required machines were so stipulated; that only Siemens had the possibility to supply the same. All other suppliers in the X-Ray machine field became ineligible to supply the machines due to the manipulated specifications condition. The dealer of Siemens, Mr. Suresh, had already grabbed many such orders in the past at exorbitant rates since the specifications were always based on Siemens machines. 

 Forceful Procurement Most importantly, the Public Health Centers which were going to be upgraded to 30 bed hospitals actually did not need these sophisticated machines in the first place because of the rural population and the requirement. A normal and standard linear frequency X-Ray machines were actually needed for these hospitals which can be operated by a dark room Assistant. Or at the most, LF 60 MA X-Ray machines would be have been the perfect solution. These normal and standard machines costs less than 2 lakhs and can be operated with single phase power. Besides, the X-Ray machines procured are used to do the X-Ray of the chest and for detecting broken bones. However, as per the practice in the rural area, if the health problem is severe, the patients are referred to district hospitals also because specialized Doctors are not easily available for rural practices in the rural areas. 

 In such a situation, standard x-ray machines would have done justice to the task. But the top brass opted for high frequency 100 MA x-ray machines. Now, the Government has to spend some more crores to recruit technical persons and radiologists, without whose services these HF 100 MA x-ray machines are of no use. 

 As per their proposed specifications, the x-ray machines were required to have Fluoroscopy, two tube x-ray and a five position table, which are totally ill suited for rural areas. In 2 tube x-ray the machine can take x-ray from both atop the table and below the table which is mainly used to screen serious patients to save time. However, Rural Hospitals do not attend severe cases and refer them to District Hospitals. 

 Electrifying Decision 

 Since there was also a specification that x-ray machines should have fluoroscopy attachment, the services of a radiologist become mandatory, because only a radiologist can analyze fluoroscopy. And more than any thing else, this x-ray machine needs a continuous 3 phase power supply. It should also be noted that rural areas in the state are starving for power. In the north Karnataka region, power is available for a few hours a day and the situation becomes severe in summer. 

 The technical specification committee did not consider any rational consideration before calling for tender. And the sad side of the story is that no one in the committee was an expert in this field. The health equipment officer Sridhara Murthy is an automobile engineer. The FA is an accounts man. The Director and Joint Director are too busy with their work and as such they could not spare their precious time to study about the best suited and the cost effectiveness of the machines. Dr, Ramesh the DD (Medical) who forced his way to the committee through deft manipulation was bluntly backing Siemens and made other members to agree on the specifications of siemens. 

 Monopoly Business 

 The tender was submitted only by Siemens. Though it is a practice to call for a re-tender in case there is only one bid, the Health Department accepted the tender despite the protests by other X-Ray manufacturing companies and placed the order of machines to Siemens. The Siemens quote was Rs. 4.28 lakh for each machine which totalled up to Rs. 1.92 Crores for 45 machines. 

 Wicked Splitting

 Now there was a need for another conspiracy. As per law, the Principal Secretary for Health & Family Welfare has a limit to approve and sanction the bills valued under 1 crore. And anything more than that needs Government approval, which in this case would take at least 2 to 3 months for obtaining. Since the Health Officers were in a hurry to finish this deal, they worked out another plan. They split the requirements in two orders, and first issued an order for only 23 machines which valued at 98/- lakhs. This bill was approved by the Principal Secretary and there was no need to go for the Government approval. Some time later, another order for 22 machines was issued which was also within the limits of Principal Secretary to approve. 

 Money Comes First 

 Worst is that after receiving the first order of 23 machines, Siemens submitted a bill of Rs. 98/- lakhs within a week and the same bill was paid in two days without the actual supply of the machines by the company. As per the contract, the payments have to be made after the total installations of the machines and on receipt of satisfactory installation report received by the concerned officials. However, in this case there was no chance of installations as the Primary Health Centers did not have enough infrastructures for installations of these machines. The Department then openly violated the rules and made the payments. Same was repeated even for the second order supply of 22 machines. 

 Now, almost after 3 years of the manipulated procurements, the sophisticated machines are lying in dust, uninstalled and in some places unpacked. The primary Health centers do not have proper infrastructure to equip it with x-ray machines, video endoscopy, mammography, CRM, operation theatres etc. There are also no qualified staffs, specialists and doctors available. Even technicians and supporting staff are not available. It is due to these reasons that many video endoscopic machines purchased in the past were also later dumped in store rooms without even unpacking them. 

 The story of Health corruption is mind boggling. Just a decision by the Government to upgrade Health Centers and crores of rupees gulped down by the officials. So what if the Health Centers in rural areas do not have basic facilities, it does have sophisticated X-Ray machines.