Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter FRANKING OF STAMPS- ANOTHER SCAM IN THE MAKING FRANKING- LAYS GOLDEN EGGS FOR REVENUE DEPARTMENT

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 FRANKING OF STAMPS- ANOTHER SCAM IN THE MAKING 

 FRANKING- LAYS GOLDEN EGGS FOR REVENUE DEPARTMENT 

 The Banks which were undertaking the Stamp Paper business were instructed to stop the same from 01st November 2009. A company by name Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd was given the contract for e-stamping which arguably is the best fool proof method. Yet, two years down the lane and SHCIL is not been able to cover the entire state and functioning only in eight Sub Registrar offices in city, where it need not have to pay rent. The people are queuing up before e-stamping centre in large numbers to purchase stamp papers of smaller denominations. The SCHIL, in spite of knowing that there is bound to be heavy rush for e-stamping purpose, has failed to cater to the demand. 

 Then, the department, in a sudden and swift move, brought in another private company Pitney Bowse in the picture. Without following any prescribed rules and acts, the top brass, in a mortal hurry inked a MoU with the company for 25 Franking machines for 25 SR offices! Before the ink dried on the official Memorandum issued by the then IGR K.R.Niranjan, the franking machines were installed in the SROs. These Franking machines costing around a lakh were not purchased by the department. Rather they were taken on through ‘Special Lease’. The responsibility of the company is limited to supply of the machine, the ink cartridge and repairs and the SR’s have to look after the operations and security of these machines. And the catch was that the SRs have to collect a service charge of Rs.5 per franking from the public on behalf of the company, separately. What more the SRs have to remit the service charges to the Bank account of the company!

 What does this mean? For franking of stamps from Rs.20 to Rs.500, the public have to pay Rs.5 extra per franking as service charge to the company. This seems extraordinary as the SRs do not charge any extra for franking up to Rs.999. In fact, the Franking machines stamp up to Rs.999, but in the present Pitney Bouse machines, there is provision for franking up to Rs.500 only and Rs.5 has to be paid to the company for every franking done whether it is for Rs.5 or 500! 

 It is to be recalled that the department has supplied franking machines to the SR offices long back, to stamp the papers. Even today, most of these machines of Kilburn Company are in working conditions. In case of these machines, the public have to make an application to the SR for franking the amount they needed. The SR will receive the money and issue receipt and the paper gets franked with the signature and seal of the Sub Registrar. However, while Stamp Papers were in use, the use of Franking was very minimal. 

 But, after the abolition of stamp papers from 1.4.2003, people queued up before the SROs for franking. It was the only commonly adopted option and the option of payment of stamp duty through certification from the SRs was rarely used. The long queues for miles and heavy work for franking made the situation difficult. As usual, there was black marketing of franked sheets. The SR offices worked day and night to frank as much papers as possible and consequently there were machine break downs and were sent for repairs. The SRs heaved a sigh of relief as they were free to look after their normal work. 

 However, while the Banks were asked to stop their Stamp Paper business from 01st November 2009, shockingly, the top brass concerned kept mum. They should have anticipated the situation aftermath the cancellation of stamp paper business and purchased more franking machines and supplied to all the SR offices in the state in October itself. They could have mounted pressure on the SHCIL Company to start its e-stamping centers all over the state. They could have advised people to pay the stamp duty at the SROs and get certification, which is the easiest way to pay stamp duty. The IGR could have issued ads in the newspapers informing public that they can pay the stamp duty through franking or certification or e-stamping. The IGR could have also directed the SRs to open a separate counter for certification of stamps and also to get the franking machines in working conditions. This would have gone a long way in mitigating the problems of people for payment of stamp duty. But, in stead of undertaking these measures, the top brass sat tight as if it is not their concern. 

 And suddenly on 2.11.2009, the then Revenue Secretary Parshwanath took a decision to supply 25 Franking machines to 25 SR offices - 16 in Bangalore and the remaining to SROs in nine other districts. This does not mean that they had purchased the Franking machines from its manufacturers Pitney Bowse Company. 

 It is here the entire scam unfolds. It is a known fact that Kilburn Company had supplied Franking machines to the department since ages and already about 100 machines are presently working in the various SROs and companies. Nobody would have taken exception to the purchase of additional franking machines from this company which is serving the department for many decades. Yet, the then Revenue Secretary took a decision that surprises all. He undertook a contract with Pitney Bouse Company to install Franking Machines in SR offices and shockingly, these machines were leased rather than purchased. This approval was done on 02nd November and sent to IGR who on 06th November 2009 issued an official memorandum to all the SR’s and DR offices detailing about the arrangements made with Pitney Bouse Company and its operational aspect. 

 As per the Official Memorandum, the Franking Machines were simply ‘leased’ and the SRs are required to look after the operation and security of the machines. Franking will be up to Rs.500 only and for every Franking the SRs have to collect a service charge of Rs.5 per franking separately. The company issues the receipt for the service charge which shall be remitted into the account of the company by the SR. The company will supply ink cartridge and look after the repairs of the machines. 

 All this simply means that the Pitney Bouse Company has given franchisee to the SROs and the SRs who use the franking machines and are required to collect and remit the service charges in to the company’s account, the very next day. Why should the SRs work as collection agents to the company? The SR’s have to collect the charges or duties on behalf of the Government or its statutory bodies. And here again, they shall collect it in the Government’s name and it will be later released to the concerned department. The SRs are not supposed to collect any charges on behalf of any private company. 

 Of course, there is a big Kickback ‘issue in the entire episode. The Rs. 5/- per franking commission, is simply too high and at the maximum, one rupee per franking seems to be the fair rate.

 In fact, why levy service charge on the people in first place? The department could have directly purchased the machines by spending ground 50 lakhs initially for use on 50 SR offices. There is a provision permitting the department to go for emergency purchases. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Government could have permitted the purchase of at least 100 franking machines which was timely sufficient. Already more than 150 SR offices in the state have been provided with franking machines since ages. 

 Let us come to the savings on service charge if the department purchases the machines. As on now, there is a demand of more than a crore franking sheets of smaller denominations. And the service charge for this quantum of franking will be 5 crores. If the Government purchases even 250 machines for all the SROs in the state, the cost will be 2.50 crores and it can save the payment of service charge of 5 crores to the company. If the Government levies one rupee as application charge, the entire investment can be recovered in a matter of two years. If the franking machines are installed in all the SR offices, one can not come across any shortage of stamped papers. 

 No doubt, the Franking machine scam definitely beats all known levels of logic. The excuse given for this strange arrangement was the sudden stoppage of stamp paper business from the Banks. It is no secret that the department had asked the Banks to stop the business even in 2008 on the pretext of introducing the e-stamping. So, the top brass knew well that it was only a matter of time that the Stamp papers issued by Banks would be stopped. 

 Of course, one feels that the top brass were making secret deals with company for franking machines. There is no other reason why the franking machines made their sudden appearances even before the IGR’s order reached the office! 

 What more, the department has spent lakhs of rupees for inserting big ads in front pages of the most of the news papers instructing public to pay Rs. 5/- as service charge to the company. A mere issue of press note would have solved the purpose. 

 The scam needs to be thoroughly investigated either by the COD or the Lokayukta. The officials responsible for fleeing the public for their selfish motives should be taught a befitting lesson.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE DUAL IDENTITY KPSC ASSISTANT SECRETARY: I AM HERE, I AM THERE One official-Two names…

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

THE DUAL IDENTITY 

KPSC ASSISTANT SECRETARY: I AM HERE, I AM THERE 

One official-Two names… 

 Ever heard of a Government official holding two posts using two names in official correspondences? Shocking it is but true that an official named M.N Gururaja Rao, presently the Assistant Secretary of KPSC exists as a dual entity. 

 TWO JOBS 

 M.N.Gururaj Rao is an Assistant Secretary of KPSC and also functions as the Secretary of the Lokseva Housing Co-op Society formed by the employees of KPSC. For outsiders, both names and persons seem different, but is actually a same person functioning with double role since decades. And shockingly, no one has the guts to initiate action against him. 

 M.N Gururaj Rao, joined the KPSC as a junior Assistant. Except a gap of few months, he remained as a permanent fixture in establishment section. Over the years, he got promotions as assistant, senior assistant, section officer and presently the Assistant Secretary, all in establishment section and he has also been designated as the public information officer of KPSC. Gururaj is a well known name among the bureaucrats. He is personally known to most of the IAS, IPS, KAS and other officials in the state and as far as KPSC Members and the Chairmen are concerned, Gururaj is their ‘Advisor’ since many years. 

 NO RENT 

 This is not the story here. M.N.Gururaj Rao functions as the assistant secretary in KPSC and officially becomes M.N. Gururaj to function as the Secretary of Lokseva Housing Co-operative Society. This society is also located in the premises of KPSC and Gururaj need not have to take any permission to house his society in KPSC and uses it free of cost, as he is running the show in KPSC ever since he joined the organization. 

 EXISTING FOR PERSONAL GAINS 

 But the activities of the society formed solely for the purpose of providing sites to the employees of KPSC to say the least, has become a very big real estate agency. Gururaj purchases lands, gets Government clearances, forms layouts and sells sites to any Tom-Dick and Harry provided they pay the market price. In fact, the KPSC does not have more than 300 employees including officials. But the society has made hundreds of sites in many layouts. Gururaj takes enough care to ‘gift’ big sites to successive Chairmen, Members etc. Presently; outsiders, general public etc. can purchase the sites from this society. Almost the entire KPSC employees who needed sites have been allotted the same long back and as such, legally, the society has to be wound up as it has outlived its utility and served its purpose. There is no reason or logic to continue the society any more. 

 But Gururaj is not prepared to wind it up as it has become the hen that lays golden eggs everyday. He is using the society as a real estate agent to acquire lands and sell sites to the public. As is natural, he has acquired lot of clout in the corridors of power and that explains the inaction by the various departments to take action against the illegalities and scams committed by Gururaj in the society. The Co-operative department is protecting the society as if it is its own. No official in the Co-op. department is prepared to even take a look at the serious violations of acts and rules. 

 TWO NAMES, TWO SIGNATURES 

 Interestingly, Gururaj is not using his official name in the society for fear of loosing his job of KPSC. He operates by another name and this is known to everybody in the Government and also in the KPSC. In all the correspondences of the society, he uses M.N Gururaj and in KPSC he uses the name of MN Gururaj Rao and smart as he is, he uses different signatures for different posts. Despite knowing this ‘Double’ role of Gururaj, the KPSC has not taken any action against Gururaj till date. 

 Obviously, a Government official holding and working for two different posts again by manipulation of name is a serious offence under the KCS. The case of M.N.Gururaj is a challenge to the law of the land. It is time; the KPSC takes some action against him in this regard.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter GOVERNOR V/S GOVERNMENT - BJP FIGHTS TO SAVE CORRUPTION

BY.FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

 GOVERNOR V/S GOVERNMENT 

 BJP FIGHTS TO SAVE CORRUPTION 

 The BJP Government headed by B.S Yeddyurappa furiously protested the Governor’s sanction to prosecute Yedurappa under prevention of corruption act, by holding the Karnataka bundh. There was however no need for BJP’s panic reaction as Yedurappa and his BJP had already declared that there will be no resignation and that they will fight the case. By holding Karnataka bundh at a very short notice, the Government inflicted untold miseries to the people. By rushing to hold the people for ransom for the corrupt practices of its Chief Minister, the BJP is now fighting for corruption rather than being against it. 

 AS EXPECTED 

 Nobody expected the Governor to reject the petitions of two advocates for prosecution of Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa under prevention of corruption act. As the petition was supported by irrefutable official documents, the Governor was bound to sanction the prosecution. The BJP leaders knew this well and therefore Yedurappa had air dashed to New Delhi to seek the help of the national BJP leaders. Arun Jaitley and a prominent advocate Ram Jethmalani were already consulted about the course of action in the event of the Governor according the sanction. 

 TACKLING THE GOVERNOR 

 It is another matter that attempts were made to force the Governor to defer the decision so that the BJP High command can force the Central Government to recall the Governor. The ‘Clever Heads’ of BJP had devised a novel plan to scuttle Governor’s move. First, Yedurappa held an emergency meeting of his cabinet and passed a resolution asking the Governor not to accord sanction for prosecution and the same was faxed to the Governor instead of personally handed over by a senior Minister. The BJP then started publicity blitz to paint the Governor as a great villain. At the same time, the BJP also chalked out a series of protests to demand the Governor to refuse sanction. The BJP president K.S Eshwarappa had then itself threatened to observe Karnata Bundh. The Governor was called names by the BJP leaders and even Ministers asked the Governor to behave properly. 

 The Governor had set January 20th as the deadline for the Government to hand over the original files to come to a decision. Even before the Governor could say anything, the BJP leaders were at his throat to force him or even blackmail him to refuse sanction for prosecution. 

 DEVIL QUOTING THE SCRIPTURES! 

 Now that the Governor has sanctioned the prosecution, the BJP leaders are acting as if the sky had fallen on them. Yedurappa is accusing the Governor of all things describing the same as an attack on democracy! This is just like the devil quoting the scriptures! How can a mere sanction of prosecution finish off the BJP Government? It is to be recalled that Yedurappa is surviving in the CM chair through manipulations, money and muscle power. 

The Operation Kamala was a blot on democracy. The operation disqualification of 16 MLAs just before a vote of confidence was a mockery of democracy and abuse of constitutional position of the speaker. And now when the Supreme Court and High Court are about to deliver the Judgements in the disqualification cases, Yedurappa has already had a trick on his sleeve and has decided to ‘suspend’ 15 Congress and JDS MLAs from the Assembly to save his gaddi. In the event of disqualified MLAs getting favourable orders from the courts, Yedurappa will lose the CM post as the number against him will swell to 114 against 106 in his favour. To neutralize this threat, he will suspend 15 MLAs of the opposition on the basis of one sided report of a legislative committee consisting of only BJP MLAs. Thus, Yedurappa’s number of 106 will definitely remain higher than the opposition strength of 98, after the suspension! And shamelessly, Yedurappa accuses the Governor of murdering democracy! 

 However, the main point is that there are serious allegations of misuse and abuse of power and position by Yedurappa to help his family members. There are charges of firms operated by his kith and kin to collect the corruption tainted money. While the Lokayukta was approached with a complaint on these scams and before the Lokayukta initiates actions, Yedurappa preempted the move by ordering a judicial probe and entrusted the Lokayukta complaint also to the commission, which will take years to submit the report. The commission was constituted by Yedurappa just to buy time and the High Court has also ordered a stay on the commission. The sanction by the Governor to prosecute Yedurappa is not the end of the road. Yedurappa will have to face the trial and if proved guilty, will have to go to jail and that will take years. But the panicky reaction by the BJP stems out from ‘moral’ angle. 

 MORAL HITCH! 

 Morally it is not proper for a CM to continue in the post while facing trial in a criminal court. Why go far? The same Yedurappa procured the resignation of Minister Katta Subramanium Naidu, hours after he was named in an FIR by the Lokayukta Police. The same hard stick applies to him also. But BSY cares two hoots for ‘morality’ in public life. His main motto is to continue as CM come what may. The national leaders of BJP are rallying behind him and had declared that he will not step down and that they will approach the High Court against the Governor’s decision. And BJP state president K.S Eshwarappa had ordered the Karnataka Bundh to protest against the sanction. 

 What does all this mean? If the BJP or Yedurappa fought against Central Government’ policies, price rise etc. there would be some justification. But what they are fighting is for the sake of corruption and for immunity against their corrupt practices. If Yedurappa is innocent, he can prove it and will be acquitted, what is so disturbing about just being allowed to be prosecuted? 

 They say’ BJP is a party with a difference’? Definitely, it is a party with a difference as it is publicly fighting for corruption and not against it! And that explains every thing!.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter OFFENCE IS THE BEST DEFENCE YEDURAPPA INDULGES IN COUNTER OFFENCE AGAINST ALL WHISTLE BLOWERS

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

OFFENCE IS THE BEST DEFENCE 

YEDURAPPA INDULGES IN COUNTER OFFENCE AGAINST ALL WHISTLE BLOWERS 

 Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and some BJP leaders are under the impression that they can survive in power by blackmailing the opposition by raising the scams in regimes. They are following the dictum ‘offence is the best defense’. They see motives in everything that is said against them. They have taken that offence strategy to ridiculous level and are blaming the opposition even for some dissent in the BJP. 

 If one were to closely watch the political chat shows- discussion on various news channels, one can witness the BJP spokespersons getting aggressive and blaming the opposition for anything that had gone wrong under Yedurappa. They make sound bytes of opposition leaders having no right to question their acts. And they do not forget to mention that the people have given their mandate to them to rule the state for five years. These leaders start giving sermons to opposition leaders about how to behave! 

Well, everybody knows that the corruption level under Yedurappa has reached rotten level with scams after scams getting exposed at regular intervals. The opposition, Congress and JDS, naturally demand action and resignation of Yedurappa in some scams and it is their right and duty. The opposition can not be expected to keep mum and function as a loyal ‘B’ team of the ruling party. 

PERSONAL ROUTE 

In fact, Yedurappa and his BJP Government have taken the politics of confrontation to personal level. Yedurappa had led the way from the front. When JD(S) Boss H D Deve Gowda and H D Kumarswamy levelled serious charges against Yedurappa, he had indulged in counter offence by charging the Father and Son of vitiating the political situation. He had vowed that he will root out JD(S) and the Father-Son from the state politics! 

PRECEDENT EXCUSE 

Instead of defending or taking action on the scams exposed, Yedurappa started talking of the similar scams in earlier regimes starting from 1995 when H D Deve Gowda was the chief minister. He even went to the extent of challenging on the scams for the last so many years in the Assembly in the presence of religious leaders and prominent people! There was although no meaning in this sort of discussions when the Assembly itself is the proper forum. But Yedurappa cleverly managed to get the Assembly sessions adjourned on flimsy grounds, so that his scams do not come under the scanner. The Government also provoked the opposition to stage protests or walk outs so that they can avoid any discussions on the scams. And again they blame the opposition for abrupt end to the sessions. 

 SILENCING THE OPPOSITION 

It is another matter that Yedurappa and his BJP Government had shown utter contempt towards constitutional bodies in the state. The Backward class Commission was prevented from working properly as the chairman was not pro-BJP. He was removed and the High Court quashed the removal. Similarly, the state Human Rights Commission is also being sidelined. Even to this day, the Government had not provided the SHRC with enough staff and infrastructure. In the case of Lokayukta, the treatment meted out to it by Yedurappa is well known. Disgusted with the attitude of his in punishing the honest, Lokayukta Santosh Hegde even resigned from the post. 

The rest is history. The BJP High Command made all out efforts to make Justice Santosh Hegde withdraw the resignation and now, Santosh Hegde is even repenting his decision of withdrawing the resignation. 

It is another matter that Yedurappa does not stand the sight of Lokayukta who had sent shivers among many ministers including Yedurappa. Katta Subramanya Naidu, a Minister was forced to resign when Lokayukta filed a case against him in the KIADB scam. The opposition particularly the JDS realising that Yedurappa was determined to stonewall any discussions on his multifaceted and multi dimensional scams, filed a detailed complaint against him with the Lokayukta. Yedurappa realized that he will be in soup if the Lokayukta conducts the probe and immediately set up a judicial Commission headed by a retired judge of the High Court to probe the cases which were before the Lokayukta. The Lokayukta was asked to hand over the files! To arm twist the opposition, Yedurappa directed the Judicial Commission to probe denotification cases from 1995 with an aim to damn the successive CMs since then. The commission will have to probe the denotifications done during the regime of H D Deve Gowda, SM Krishna, Dharam Singh and HD Kumarswamy. However, the HC issued a stay on the commission. 

TARGETING THE GOVERNOR 

The Governor HR Bharadwaj is been regularly targeted by Yedurappa and his BJP Government, the most. The Governor who is a constitutional expert and a former Central Law Minister is an outspoken person. He had advised and warned Yedurappa many times over the scams and the loot of natural resources (mining). But Yedurappa and his BJP government have not taken kindly to the Governor’s actions. 

Moreover, the opposition have met the Governor several times complaining of Yedurappa’s scams and pleading for action. Yedurappa took strong exception to these meetings and accused the Governor of being a Congress agent. In fact, the state BJP President KS Eswarappa had asked the Governor to resign and work in the KPCC office! 

It therefore becomes clear that Yedurappa and BJP are playing a well planned game. Continue to exploit the people and stash bundles of money in the process. And whosoever raises his voice against us attack him and accuse him of corruption, malpractices, favouritism etc. But, they do not know that while the innocent public are famous for silence, they definitely are not fools in understanding the actions of their leaders!.......

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter KHATAS FROM THE BACK DOOR, HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN BBMP, AKRAMA-SAKRAMA ILLEGALLY IMPLEMENTED IN BBMP OFFICIALS RAKE IN MOOLAH WHILE BBMP SUFFERS LOSSES

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

KHATAS FROM THE BACK DOOR 

HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN BBMP 

AKRAMA-SAKRAMA ILLEGALLY IMPLEMENTED IN BBMP OFFICIALS RAKE IN MOOLAH WHILE BBMP SUFFERS LOSSES 

 Legally and technically the Akrama-Sakrama Scheme is yet to become the law and lakhs of people are already waiting for its implementation. However, many do not know that Akrama-Sakrama is already being implemented in many BBMP zones on producing bribe Money. If one is prepared to pay the ‘demand’ of BBMP officials, one can get their illegal unauthorized properties regularized by getting the BBMP khata. The cash strapped BBMP has already suffered loss of revenue to the tune of hundreds crores of rupees by this illegal Akrama-Sakrama scheme being introduced, on the sly, by few BBMP officials. 

 EXAMPLE 1 

 Take a look at the affidavit by one Sivani, co-owner of Global Associates, which owned 22 acres of land in Kothanur and Raghuvanahalli villages. The affidavit clearly states that this is in regard to registration of Khata for the above lands. The content of the Affidavit is very clear. As the BBMP is not accepting betterment charges, the company undertakes to pay the same, if BBMP levies the charges. And the reason for the affidavit is also clear. It concerns the registration of Khata in respect of the lands in Raghuvanahalli and Kothanur to an extent of 22 acres 3 guntas! 

 On the face of it, the company can not get the khata registered from BBMP as on now. It can register the khata only under Akrama-Sakrama scheme which is yet to be implemented. But there is also a provision to pay the betterment charges to the BBMP at the rate of Rs. 600 per sq mtr, if the entire land is one complex unit and converted. In the present case, even if the company is permitted to pay the betterment charges, it has to pay Rs. 6.50 crores to the BBMP. 

 But the company was not prepared to pay this much amount to the BBMP as it has its own design. Instead of paying the huge sum, it booked the ARO, RO, DC and Joint Commissioner of Bommanahalli Zone. After the Fat payment deal, the officials affected the khata to those lands! The company now has BBMP khata to its lands which naturally raises the value of the land by many folds. Nobody could do anything if the affidavit gets misplaced which the officials are expected to arrange..? The BDA has lost more than 6 crores and the officials became abundantly richer! 

 EXAMPLE 2 

 Take the case of Upkar Residency in Ullal. It formed a BDA layout consisting of around 300 sites for which BDA has given khatas and now, they have BBMP khatas as well. But the same Upkar Residency has formed another 1000 sites on the converted lands and sold it to the purchasers. Legally this layout on converted lands is illegal as it has no layout approval from BDA. But, as the owners have already sold the sites, the BBMP can not collect the betterment charges even if the lands are converted. The BBMP can collect betterment charges only for the entire converted lands in one go provided the lands are in one compact area. As it has been divided into sites, there is no way for BBMP to collect the betterment charges. The site owners can get the khata only under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme which is yet to become the law. 

 Interestingly half the layout in converted lands comes under the jurisdiction of ARO of Kengeri, and the other half is under ARO of Herohalli. While the ARO of Kengeri has refused to affect khatas to the sites coming under his limits, the ARO of Herohalli, is affected the khatas again by taking the similar affidavits from the site owners who undertake to pay the betterment charges in future if the BBMP levies the same. So, half the layout has BBMP Khatas and the other half are not lucky. The ARO charges a cool 25,000 thousand for 30x40 and 40,000 for 40x60 sites for affecting the khatas. 

 In fact, these sites can be regularized only under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme. The average betterment charges under the proposed Akrama-Sakrama Scheme will be around 1.5 lakhs for 30x40 and 3 lakhs for 40x60 sites. Higher the size more will be the betterment charges. If the average betterment charges are taken into the account, the BBMP would earn at least 30 crores from this layout itself. But the hard fact is that half the sites already have BBMP Khatas affected on the basis of affidavits. And it is definitely possible that tomorrow the officials may easily remove the affidavits and the files from the record. There is no way the BBMP can build the duplicate files. But there is the property register in this regard and the entries are the only evidence. 

So, the people whose sites have been given khatas on the basis of affidavits can have a last laugh as they need not have to regularize their sites under Akrama-Sakrama scheme. All that they spent is some 25 to 50 thousand rupees bribe to the ARO. The other halves, which are under ARO of Kengeri, will have to curse their fate. The BBMP will be losing almost 15 crores while its ARO becomes richer by few crores! 

 It is another matter that the officials get the parties to pay betterment charges caring two hoots for the rule of the law. The payment of betterment charges and affecting the khata makes the title ‘pucca’ as far as its marketability is concerned is a myth. If all the legal formalities are observed and the khata is affected, one can be sure of the legality of the title. But nobody cares about this important aspect. All they want is the proof of betterment fee and the khata. 

 In one such case in Begur, almost 20 crores were paid by a developer without following legal formalities. The developer was in hurry to create BBMP documents for his 60 acres in Begur. The then Joint Commissioner in Bommonahalli Zone, Shekarappa was instrumental in this murky deal. However, the Joint Commissioner has no powers to order for betterment fee collection. It is either the BBMP Commissioner or the Urban Development Secretary who have the powers to do so. 

 EXAMPLE 3 

 The Akrama-Sakrama Scheme being illegally implemented in Whitefield shows the ease in which the officials do criminal acts like fabrication of records. The ARO had made crores along with Revenue Inspectors. 

 THE MODUS OPERANDI 

 The modus operandi here is very simple and straight forward. Whitefield was merged with BBMP and the village coming under this sub division had their property registers handed over to BBMP. The entries in Form-9 register (Gramathana Properties) were transferred to BBMP register and all the entries in BBMP register acquire legality and khatas. Both Form-9 and BBMP registers are with the ARO. If any person wanted his revenue property to be regularized by getting the khata, he has to clinch the deal with the ARO and the Revenue Inspectors. Once the deal is clinched, they will engage the services of the village secretary who was working in the village before merger with BBMP and make the entry in the BBMP register. So, the property however big it may be, gets BBMP ‘image’ without spending a pie under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme. The ARO and Revenue Inspectors have thus made a fortune which can last for generations. 

 EXAMPLE 4 

 In case of Ullal in Kengeri Sub Division, the racketeers follow the modus operandi with a slight difference. The village property register (Form-9) handed over to the BBMP by the Kodigehalli Panchayat Secretary contained only 115 entries. The register should be with the case worker but the RI obtained the register on some pretext and kept it with himself. He along with Tax Inspector then made illegal entries in the Form-9 register in respect of almost 200 revenue properties and these illegal entries were repeated in BBMP register. For any lay man, the original entries in the Form-9 attested by the panchayat Secretary at the time of handing over to the BBMP and the entries made after the serial number 115, appears different. Even the hand writing difference is clearly evident. There are ‘fabricated’ entries to properties measuring more than 10 thousand square feet. Many entries were given to revenue layout sites too. Crores have been lost to BBMP through these criminal acts of BBMP officials. . 

The then Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena also ordered a thorough enquiry into the Ullal scam, on complaints. But except seizing the records and later handing it back to ARO of Kengeri, no action was taken. The Additional Commissioner of RR Nagar Zone is also neck deep involved in the scam. It is another matter that ARO himself had ordered khatas to villa sites near kengeri and the order was passed without processing the files. 

 If the fabricated entries in Ullal village were to be regularized under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme, the BBMP would have earned at least 25 crores! While the BBMP lost heavily, the racketeers became richer by few crores. 

 The above are only the tip of the iceberg. There are similar scams in all the 110, villages merged with the BBMP. The Zonal Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, ROs, AROs, and Revenue Inspectors have made BBMP to loose hundreds of crores. There is absolutely no control of the top brass in the BBMP over the Zonal offices and officials. One can imagine the prevailing situation by the fact that despite the then BBMP Commissioner’s order of enquiry and subsequent seizure of the records in Ullal village, nothing came out. The records were returned and the only punishment was the transfer of officials, that too, to more fertile places. The enquiry is not yet taken off. In fact, there was a move to conduct a survey to identify a revenue pockets and the Gramathana. But the survey is yet to start. There is hardly any hope of the enquiry and the justice in the near future. 

 The unscrupulous and unimaginable corrupt officials in BBMP have already enforced the Akrama-Sakrama Scheme illegally and fraudulently since two years and inflicted massive losses to the BBMP to the tune of hundreds of crores and enriching themselves in the process. 

 Unless the entire fraud is probed by a special cell consisting of dedicated officials, there will be no end to this fraud.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WHO WILL BELL THE CAT? IS CHIEF MINISTER’S SON ABOVE LAW? WILL BDA PROSECUTE HIM?

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

WHO WILL BELL THE CAT?

IS CHIEF MINISTER’S SON ABOVE LAW? WILL BDA PROSECUTE HIM? 

 The Land allotment scam that shook the B.S.Yedurappa’s Government forced him to instruct his family members to surrender the allotted lands to them. His eldest son B.Y.Raghavendra who is a Shimoga MP, also surrendered his prime site measuring 50ft x 80ft allotted to him in the posh locality of Sadashivnagar area of Bangalore. 

 THE CHEATING 

In the year 2009, Raghavendra, reportedly gave a false affidavit to the BDA, stating that he does not own any property in the city limits, in order to get a “stray site” of BDA allotted to him. The Chief Minister B.S.Yedurappa then made the allotment to his son; a 50 ft by 80 ft plot in the posh RMV II stage (survey number 25/2 of Nagashettyhalli). Raghavendra at that time already owned half an acre of land at K.R.Puram registered on his name in 2006. The BDA plot was allotted under the chief minister’s discretionary ‘G’ quota, meant for people who achieve eminence in their respective fields but do not own residential property. 

THE CHARITY 

Later due to immense public outcry after Yeddyurappa was accused of nepotism for allotting BDA sites worth crores of rupees for a peanut amount to Raghavendra, his sister B S Premamma, and two other close relatives in prime localities of Bangalore, the Chief Minister instructed his relatives to surrender the allotted lands. 

THE LAW 

According to the rule, it is mandatory for the applicant to submit an affidavit swearing that he or she does not own any agriculture, commercial or residential property in Bangalore metropolitan area limits to the BDA, before the allotment of site. 

It should be noted that the affidavit is a legal document that must be true for its relevance in a legal case. A false affidavit becomes irrelevant to the case and also may result in proceeding of legal action against its submitter. 

Swearing to false facts on the affidavit is an offence punishable under Section 177 of the Indian Penal Code. According to the law, the guilty may attract imprisonment for a period up to six months or a penalty of Rs 1,000 or both. Besides, the BDA rules also state that if any applicant gets allotment of the site by filing a false affidavit, the site allotted should be withdrawn and the amount paid by the applicant shall also be forfeited. 

 Para 4 of the affidavit for applicants clearly states that “If the information I have furnished in the declaration is found wrong, the BDA can withdraw the site allotted to me without offering me compensation.” 

 FORGET THE LAW 

 However, the authorities have openly sidelined the law in the case of Chief Minister’s son. The BDA accepted the letters to take the back the possession of the sites and refunded the deposits. A cheque for Rs Nine lakhs was returned to Raghavendra for his 50X80 sq ft site in RMV extension. 

OTHER CHARITIES BY THE CM

 Other lands allotted to the relatives of the Yedurappa that were returned back includes- 

A two-acre prime industrial plot at Jigani Industrial Estate was surrendered by Raghavendra and his brother Vijayendra. 

 Yedurappa’s daughter Umadevi returned to KIADB, two acres of industrial land allotted to her Candor Company near Harohalli and another two acres of land near Harohalli allotted to Ficom Engineering owned by Umadevi. 

Fluid Power Technology Company also surrendered the two acres of land allotted to it. Mr Vijayendra and Mr Raghavendra are on the board of directors of the company. 

Yeddyurappa’s sister and her son and daughter-in-law too surrendered two residential plots at Chandra Layout in Bangalore west. 

Similarly, B.S. Premamma, Raghavendra’s sister, surrendered a 50X80 sq. ft plot in HSR Layout. Mr Yeddyurappa’s nephew S.C. Ashok who owned a 40X60 sq. feet plot in Chandra Layout and Mr Yeddyurappa daughter, Umadevi, who had a site near Sadashiva Nagar, have also returned the sites. 

ALLOTMENT RULE 

Allotment of stray sites of BDA is indeed a big deal. Everybody wants to get a share in these allotments. Many MLA’s, MP’s, Ministers, their personal assistants, drivers, cooks and peons, journalists etc., come in the queue to grab a share in these allotments.

 However, the BDA stray sites according to the rule book must be allotted as under- 

30% to people in public life as directed by the Government. 15% to sportspersons with special achievements. 10% to people with special achievements in arts, science and literature. 5% each to military and ex-military personnel, dependents of State Government servants who died during service & freedom fighters. 30% to be auctioned. 

WILL THE LAW PREVAIL? 

In the present instance relating to Mr. Raghavendra, the BDA is yet to take a call on prosecuting him. 

 Now the question that still remains is whether the mere surrendering of the allotted sites is good enough reason to close the chapter? Definitely not, the case of Raghavendra submitting a false affidavit to the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and also the BDA refunding him his amount on return of his allotted land is a serious crime. But, Raghavendra is the son of the Chief Minister, will the BDA prosecute him?.....

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE UNNOTICED LANDSCAM Denotification of 5 acres in Halage Vaderahalli ANOTHER MULTI CRORE SCAM OF BDA

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

THE UNNOTICED LANDSCAM 

Denotification of 5 acres in Halage Vaderahalli 

ANOTHER MULTI CRORE SCAM OF BDA 

 Amidst all the denotification scams and the resultant hulla gulla, another major denotification scam in Halage Vaderahalli in Raja Rajeswarinagar has gone unnoticed. The BDA which has acquired 6.5 acres of lands in Sy no. 251 of Halage Vaderahalli and formed the layout had stealthily denotified 5 acres of land worth more than 60 crores. In fact, a year back, the BDA had demolished unauthorized constructions and put up road boards and was about to allot sites, and now, the BDA has issued a bald denotification order. It is said that Home Minister R.Ashok has played the decisive role and needless to say that he is one of the beneficiaries. 

 The state has witnessed several scams regarding denotification of prime lands acquired by the BDA. The chief Minister B.S.Yedyurappa is fighting with his back on the wall to explain the denotifications effected by him in favour of his kith and kin. 

 A SECRET SCAM 

 Amidst the charges and counter charges, the denotification scam in Halage Vaderahalli (RR Nagar) has gone unnoticed. The denotification of 5 acres of land worth more than 60 crores, has been done discretely and has escaped the hawk’s eye of the former Chief Minister H.D. Kumarswamy, particularly so when Home Minister R.Ashok is involved. 

 THE BEGINNING 

 The story goes back to the formation of BSK V Stage Layout. Just like hundreds of acres of other land, an extent of 6.5 acres of lands in Sy no. 251 in Halage Vaderahalli was also acquired. The land adjoining this land was fully built even before the acquisition process. The BDA in the year 2000 itself had taken up this land for reconvey scheme, and till today, the matter has not moved an inch. 

 FORMATION OF LAYOUT 

 But 6.5 acres of clear land was acquired and the BDA had taken up layout work in this land by forming roads etc. The owner of the land tried best to get the acquisition dropped, but in vain. The BDA after passing the award took over the physical possession of the lands for formation of the layout. 

 The BDA after taking possession of the land formed the roads and cross roads and the only work left was the identification of sites and numbering them. They have put up the Road-Cross Boards too. Needless to say that BDA has spent huge amount towards civil works. The land owner was at his wits end and was making all out efforts to get the lands denotified despite the earlier rejection. 

 THE DEAL CLINCHED 

 Very soon, Ramachandra, a BJP leader (now a Corporator) came to the rescue of the land owner. It is no secret that Ramachandra along with R. Ashoka, affected this denotification. After the deal was clinched things began to happen. The BDA which had earlier demolished temporary sheds build on the acquired land earlier, bent backwards and in January last year, issued a bald denotification order! The order does not give any reasons for denotifying the acquired lands, for the simple reason that there are no reasons at all for denotifying the lands. In one go, the BDA lost lands worth not less than 60 crores in the market. 

 AVOIDING THE GLARE 

 Of course, the land owner was not prepared to let go the denotification which was done stealthily. However, he also does not want to make it public as it will create another controversy. That is why he had already sold the lands to a developer at the rate of Rs.3000 per sq ft. The purchasers too are very discreet in taking possession of the lands. As the BDA Boards are still standing on the lands, the developer is not prepared to risk removing them in day light lest there will be a public outcry. The developer is doing the removal of the Boards in the night to avoid public glare. Interestingly he is not removing or repainting the boards in one go. 

He is removing/repainting the boards one by one taking enough care to ensure that not more than two boards are replaced in a night. 

 The entire episode makes one to conclude that there is something more than that meets the eyes. Firstly, there are no valid reasons to denotify this highly valuable land which was acquired years back by the BDA. Secondly the land owner attempts to get the lands denotified was rejected by the BDA on earlier occasions. Thirdly, the BDA was about to allot the sites to the applicants. Fourthly the BDA has sinked millions of rupees to form the layout in this land. Even at the rates charged by BDA for site allotment is taken into consideration, the BDA would have become richer by at least 6 crores. Assuming that it had spent about a crore towards land acquisition and formation of sites, the BDA would have earned a net profit of five crores which would come in handy for other projects. 

 But, who cares for public welfare. The denotification has benefited the land owner to the maximum. The total value of the land is more than 60 crores. Besides, the developer who had purchased the lands got a ready layout as the land was already been converted into a layout by the BDA. 

 ANYBODY LISTENING? 

 But what about the BDA? Also what about the 90 odd prospective allottees? It is high time that this denotification scam gets the notice of the Lokayukta and the opposition.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter ONIONS MAKE PEOPLE CRY PRICE RISE HITS INDIAN MIDDLE CLASS. GOVERNMENTS UNCONCERNED

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

ONIONS MAKE PEOPLE CRY 

PRICE RISE HITS INDIAN MIDDLE CLASS. 

GOVERNMENTS UNCONCERNED 

 The sky rocketing of prices of all essential commodities has made the life miserable for the common man. For the last two years, the common people are silently suffering the high prices of all essential commodities. The prices of onions, other vegetables, Food grains, oil, pulses etc. have crossed the roof, despite the bumper crops, and now there is another burden of fuel hike. 

 It is to be recalled that onions are consumed by people through out the country and neither the Centre nor the State Governments have done anything about this menace. In case of onions, the Government gives a lame excuse of destruction of standing crops due to untimely rains! It is true that there were unseasonable rains which damaged the standing crops and affected the production by 50%. But, the officials in the Agriculture Ministry were not dumb to foresee the shortage and take remedial measures. In fact, there is an inbuilt machinery and system in the agricultural ministry to monitor the food situation, rain pattern, possible shortage or excess food production, possibility of floods or famines etc., and to take remedial actions in case of shortages. But the machinery became defunct and lacked in their duty. 

 The Food Minister Sharad Pawar, is very busy in the affairs of the BCCI and its cricketing activities. He has no time to run the Food Ministry which has perhaps become his part time job. As such there is no monitoring system in place. In fact, Sharad Pawar had made an idiotic comment that prices will come down after the harvest. One does not need to be a minister or an expert to say that prices will come down once new crops flood the market. 

 Further, if the Central Government had wanted, it would have solved the problem by banning the export and importing large quantities of onions, other pulses and oils. Apparently, the market prices depend on the Government’s moves and policies but, the Government here followed the “hands off” policy which gave way to free and unrestricted trades where middlemen had the final say. 

 Besides, the Government did not use its overflowing buffer stocks of food grains for the last two years. Millions of tonnes of rice, wheat etc. are rotting in the Government warehouses for which the Supreme Court severely castigated the Government and directed it to distribute the stocks free of cost to people or at a nominal price! In case of price rise, the Government can release a part of its stock to the open market which consequently brings down the market prices. In case of oil, if the Government even announces about the import, the market reacts and the prices of oil comes down immediately. This is a time tested system which was used to perfection during Indira Gandhi’s regime. 

 Of course, it is not only the Central Government that is responsible for price control, the State Governments too is responsible in this regard. It is an open fact that the traders indulge in hoardings resulting in scarcity followed by price hike. State is thus responsible to take strict action against hoarders and black marketers. But, the State Government was least bothered about the common man. The available production of onions was monopolized by the middlemen by purchasing the same from the farmers. 

 Leading outlets and corporate bodies like Reliance, More, etc is another important factor for the scarcity of vegetables in the market. These outlets procure directly from the farmers through binding agreements, whereby the farmers cannot sell their products to any others. These companies have thus already captured at least 20% of the agricultural and horticultural markets and they decide the “price”! They also have the where withal to store the products in their cold storages and nobody has given any thought to this major factor. 

 The Delhi government has finally shown the way. It is selling onions through its distribution outlets at 50% of the market rates in its effort to bring down the onion prices. When onion is available at Government outlets, people will not buy it in the open market and that too at higher rates. Eventually, the market has to reduce the prices for its survival. Demand and supply becomes irrelevant with the Government’s intervention. 

 Unfortunately, our State Government acted as if the price rise is not its concern. The Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa who is always busy protecting his chair was more involved in making all out efforts to win the Taluk and Zilla Panchayat elections. The Horticultural Minister Umesh Katti made another idiotic statement asking people to bear with the situation as the prices will come down after the harvest season. As if we never knew that the prices of onions will come down when the crops will be harvested next year. It should be noted that when the Central Government under pressure from Sonia Gandhi banned the export, the prices of onions came down by almost 40%. Surprisingly, Umesh Katti strongly protested the ban! Does it mean that the interest of the hoarders and black marketers are more important to him than the interest of the common people? 

 Whatsoever, only after the Central Government pressurized the State Government to take immediate measures to control the prices, the Chief Minister called the meeting of the officials to take remedial measures! One should be thankful for B.S.Yedurappa for having realized that he has other works to do, other than enjoying power and fighting to survive in power. The tragedy is that the both Central and State Governments have forgotten their basic duty of governing. It is time they learn to govern. It goes without saying that once they start governing, people can expect a fair deal.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter ACCOUNT PAYEE CRIME TRADER’S CHEQUE LEAF STOLEN, DEBITED WITH FORGED SIGNATURE

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

ACCOUNT PAYEE CRIME 

TRADER’S CHEQUE LEAF STOLEN, DEBITED WITH FORGED SIGNATURE 

 While there are people who utilize their mental capacity in positive developments there are people who utilize the same capacity into negative activities thereby causing unrest in the society. People in spite of so much care and awareness tend to be duped by the scrupulous fraudsters, who are found all around in the society. 

 One such is the case of Mr. Juzer Mohammed Husain who runs an automobile shop in J.P.Nagar 5th Phase. Juzer has a personal NRE Savings Bank account with the Byrasandra branch of Bank of Baroda. On 18th December, 2010, he visited his Bank to update the entries in his pass book. He was shocked to see a debit of Rs. 2,50,000/- (Rs. Two Lakhs Fifty Thousand only) against a cheque number 546414 dated 29th November 2010. 

 Upon verification he realized that 3 cheque leaves numbering 546412, 546413 & 546414 were missing from his cheque book which he used to keep in his shop. He immediately informed his branch for Stop Payment of the other two missing cheques and requested for the details of one missing cheque that was already debited. He was informed by the Bank that the cheque number 546414 was dated 29th November 2010 and was presented by Bhuwaneshwari with his forged signature for Rs. 2,50,000/- and the same was debited successfully from his account on 1st December 2010. This particular cheque was deposited from the Jayanagar branch of Federal Bank and the amount was credited in the account number 13870100059857. 

Interestingly, in spite of it being an account payee cheque, the cheque leaf contained a mobile number 9739664458 written overleaf. 

 Helpless Juzer then approached J.P.Nagar Police station to file a complaint. After few days they registered his complaint and issued him a copy. 

 TBMR contacted Mr. S.K. Umesh, the Circle Inspector of J.P.Nagar Police Station. Mr. S.K. Umesh has assured of taking up the case and will investigate the matter.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE LAW SURVIVES Sachindanandanagar Khata Scam HIGH COURT COMES TO THE RESCUE OF LAW

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

THE LAW SURVIVES 

Sachindanandanagar Khata Scam 

HIGH COURT COMES TO THE RESCUE OF LAW 

 TBMR had carried a series of exposures on the Sachindananda Nagar Layout formed by B.Krishna Bhat of Viswa Bharti Housing Co-operative Society and the attempts by site owners to obtain the BBMP khatas to their sites. TBMR had also relentlessly exposed all the illegal acts in this layout and opposed the regularization of the revenue sites. 

 While lakhs of revenue site owners are waiting for the implementation of Akrama-Sakrama to regularize their properties since 2007, few hundred revenue site owners in the Sachindananda Nagar Layout, an illegal layout formed by the notorious B.Krishna Bhat of the equally notorious Viswa Bharti Housing Co-Op Society had through VIP pressure and media power managed to get their sites regularized without paying a penny. However, the High Court has finally come to the rescue of the law of land and stayed the illegal issue of khata certificates to hundreds of revenue site owners in the Sachindananda Nagar Layout in RR Nagar Zone of BBMP. 

 THE ILLEGAL LAYOUT 

 As far as Sachindananda Nagar Layout is concerned, the hard fact is that the land does not belong to the Society as the same has been forfeited to the Government in 2001 itself for violation of Karnataka Land Reforms Act. Firstly, B. Krishna Bhat had purchased the lands in his name using Society funds and on the contrary B. Krishna Bhat was ineligible to purchase agricultural lands. Secondly, the lands even assuming the ownership of B. Krishna Bhat, has not been converted. Thirdly, he has also not obtained the sanction of the BDA to the layout. Therefore, by any means, the entire layout is illegal and in fact, it is not even a revenue layout by strict meaning of law. 

 THE BETTERMENT CHARGES 

 During 1997, the Raja Rajeshwari Nagar CMC (earlier Pattanagere CMC) collected betterment charges from the revenue property owners and regularized them. Few site owners in the Sachindananda Nagar Layout also paid betterment charges and got the khata. But before others in the layout could do so, the Divisional Commissioner directed the CMC to stop collecting the betterment charges from Sachindananda Nagar Layout. This was challenged by B. Krishna Bhat in a civil court and by misleading the court through bogus records; he also got the orders quashed in 2005. It is on the basis of this order that the BBMP was forced to affect the khatas recently. 

 PRESSURE & ROSES 

 Whatsoever, the ownership of the lands as of now stands in the name of the Government. But few influential people approached the Lokayukta with the grievance against the BBMP officials. This group even ‘offered’ Roses to the BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah, who knows every minute details of the scam as he was the BDA Commisioner earlier. He knew well that the BDA had declared this layout as illegal and orders for demolition was issued long back. Another group of property owners were making efforts to get their properties regularized by bribing the BBMP officials and also procuring the support of the local MLAs. While this group went on clinching deals with BBMP officials, the other group made efforts to bring pressure on the BBMP officials through Lokayukta and the media. They too based their case on the civil court’s order quashing the Divisional Commisioner’s direction to the CMC to stop collection of betterment charges. 

 THE FINAL SEIZE 

 The revenue property owners armed with Lokayukta’s direction and accompanied by the electronic media, stormed the BBMP’s RR Nagar Zone office and laid seize demanding that khatas be given to them. Unmindful of the repercussions in violating the law of the land, the RR Nagar Zone’s Joint Commissioner K.M Ramachandran directed the official to issue the khata in the night. Finally, the officials worked overnight and issued the khatas to hundreds of revenue properties in Sachindananda Nagar and interestingly not a single pie was collected as betterment or development fees. In fact, the collection of such charges has been banned in the state since 2000, as CMC’s have no power to collect the same. 

 HIGH COURT STAYS! 

 It is to enable the revenue property owners to get their properties regularized, that the Government brought in the Akrama-Sakrama, a one time settlement scheme in 2006. But till now, the scheme has not been implemented. It provides for onetime payment towards violations under Karnataka Land Reforms Act, Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, Karnataka Municipalities Act and BDA Acts by collecting compounding fines for every violation. It goes without saying that the owners of revenue properties in Sachindananda Nagar can get their properties regularized only under Akrama-Sakrama scheme, and that too, if the Government withdraws the forfeiture of the lands. But they got their properties regularized without the sanction of the law. 

If money and high influence can bend the law of the land then the law will have no meaning. But finally, the High Court has put a stop on this abuse and rape of law. The BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah who waged a relentless battle against B. Krishna Bhat’s Girinagar IV stage, has cut a sorry figure in his Sachindananda Nagar layout. No need to talk of Joint Commissioner K.M Ramachandran, who is possessed about making crores and crores before he retires shortly. It is time the Lokayukta should revisit the issue impartially and also to take a look at KM Ramachandran’s millions making spree! 

The High Court by staying the issue of khata to the revenue properties in Sachindananda Nagar has indeed saved the law of the land. The khatas of 800 plus site owners of this illegal layout can only be issued and regularized under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme which is yet to be implemented.