Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter GOODBYE MAYOR ANOTHER MAYOR TO DEPART WITH ZERO ACHIEVEMENTS

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 GOODBYE MAYOR 

ANOTHER MAYOR TO DEPART WITH ZERO ACHIEVEMENTS 

 S.K Nataraj is completing his term of one year as Mayor of BBMP and from next month we will have a new Mayor for our city. Well then, its time to assess the achievement of S.K.Nataraj as the first Mayor of the newly formed BBMP. And sadly, his only achievement is being the first Mayor of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, nothing more and nothing less. 

 The BBMP Commissioner Mr. Siddaiah’s revelations are sufficient enough to sum up the achievements of Mayor. The BBMP Commissioner had recently revealed that the BBMP’s financial position is on the verge of collapse and that there is no money in BBMP coffers. 

 The BBMP owes 3500 crores to the contractors. It has to repay more than 3000 crores loan and is paying around 300 crores as interest. The 1000 plus crores collected as property tax is peanuts compared to the size of the BBMP which has 750 sq kms area with 200 wards. The other taxes do not account for more than 15% of the BBMP’s revenue. BBMP perhaps does not have corporators and bureaucrats, who can think of ingenious and novel ideas to raise revenue and make it self reliant so that BBMP does not go to the Government begging for grant. In this aspect the Mayor S. K. Nataraj is an utter flop. 

 Of course, the Mayor could not have done anything more under the present situation. The budget tabled by the Mayor through the Chairman of the Finance committee, was the most unrealistic one. While the annual revenue of the BBMP is not more than 1500 crores, the budget tabled and passed was for more than 8800 crores. The BBMP expected the Government to release a grant of 1300 crores, but, the Government released only 300 crores. 

 As the Mayor, that is the first citizen of Bangalore, S.K.Nataraj should have provided a dynamic leadership with far sight to the BBMP, but could not do so, of course due to many factors. In fact, there was not much S. K. Nataraj could do in BBMP. For the first month, he was busy attending felicitation functions followed by selection of the Chairman and Members of the various Standing Committees. As the aspirants were too many, the number of Standing Committees was also increased to 12 and few days later, the Mayor was busy preparing the budget. All these took almost five months of the Mayors tenure. 

 The Budget part of BBMP was indeed the most irrational thing which clearly signified that no body including the Mayor showed interest in presenting a pragmatic budget. The budget prepared and approved by the Administrator before the Mayor rule, had put the figure at 4000 crores. But two months later, the elected body raised it to 8800 crores without considering the basics. The budget unrealistically put expected figures of Rs. 750 crores from Akrama-Sakrama scheme and 1300 crores from Government as special grants. 

 Even if these figures were to materialize, the BBMP would have 1500 crores from its own sources and 2000 crores from Akrama-Sakrama and Government grants totaling 3500 crores. In that case, how could the BBMP present a budget for 8800 crores? And mind it, the budget was only for nine months. It is here that S. K. Nataraj failed to see the ground reality. 

 Now that the financial year has come to an end, the BBMP was given a paltry grant of 300 crores by the Government instead of 1300 crores as expected by BBMP. No revenue has come from Akrama-Sakrama, as the scheme itself is yet to see the light. The BBMP has thus ended this financial year and also the term of the Mayor S. K. Nataraj with a shortfall of more than 6000 crores if the budget estimates are taken as the base. The BBMP is assured of 1500 crores of its own sources that are property tax and other license fees. 

 The Mayor however had tried to mobilize some more funds by levying betterment charges, Garbage cess etc. But, here too, lack of clarity disrupted the proceedings. The betterment charges of converted properties were expected to bring in about 500 crores, but there is a lot of confusion about the implementation of the scheme. Most of the ‘converted’ sites/properties were regularized by erstwhile BMP and CMCs much before the formation of the BBMP. As such, not much can be expected from this scheme. 

 It is another matter that S. K. Nataraj was laid down with illness for almost two months and as usual, the absence was exploited by the bureaucracy. In a way, the BBMP had no working Mayor for two months and the Deputy Mayor also was not allowed to discharge the Mayor’s duties. 

 More than anything, the Mayor had a running feud with the BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah. Under the present set up in the BBMP (and also earlier BMP), the Mayor has no executive powers and therefore cannot control the Commissioner. The feud between the Mayor and the Commissioner has become a permanent system in BBMP since years. The Commissioner in the present set up can refuse or reject Mayor’s order or directions and there is no way for the Mayor to enforce his decision then. The feud between them reached a flash point when the Mayor publicly accused the Commissioner of non co- operation and demanded his replacement. 

 Finally, the Bangalore In charge Minister R.Ashoka intervened and affected a truce between them. 

Unless the Mayor has executive powers, no Commissioner can be brought under control and S. K. Nataraj utterly failed to convince the Government of vesting executive powers to the Mayors. 

 It is another matter that Mayors in major Metropolitan cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkatta etc. have executive powers and the Commissioners are bound to follow their orders. But the Mayor in BBMP and also in other Mahanagara Palike in the state is been reduced to mere titular heads without any powers. 

 S. K. Nataraj had also lamented that the Mayor has only one year term which is not sufficient to mark their rule and wished for 30 months term for the Mayor. But it is easier said than done. True, nobody can achieve much in12 month tenure, but the political Masters of the Mayors have to decide about the same. And on the contrary, no leader can allow a Mayor to overtake them in popularity by allowing him in power for long. 

 Whatsoever, S. K. Nataraj did not excel himself either in administration or in getting a name for himself. He has just become one among the former Mayors. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE POLITICS OF POSTING JAYARAM OUT SHIVAPPA IS NEW IGR and CS

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE POLITICS OF POSTING 

JAYARAM OUT SHIVAPPA IS NEW IGR and CS 

 S.N Jayaram, Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps is shown the door, and Shivappa, the loyal official of Reddy Brothers is brought in as the new IGR&CS. Jayaram, who had not spent even 300 hundred hours in his office for the last one year had to go under disgrace. Shivappa who earlier worked as a District Registrar is posted in his place, of course, due to the political compulsions of the Reddy Brothers. 

 S.N. Jayaram is a very ambitious man. Even after being appointed as the IGR, he continued to hold the charge of MD of Apex Bank. Later he was given charge as the Commissioner for Survey Settlement department too. But, after becoming the IGR & CS, he soon realized that he does not have power even to transfer a group D employee and the scope of making a good income also was not that attractive. He therefore preferred to work from his MD Chambers most of the time and would make a flying visit to the IGR’s office once or twice a week and leave after spending an hour or two, at the most. 

 Very recently, Jayaram had invited the ire of the Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy. It is to be recalled that Reddy Brothers are facing serious trouble in their mining business. Jayaram was expected to help them out to tide over the trouble as he happens to be the commissioner of Survey Settlement. However, he failed and was showed the door. 

Shivappa, another IAS official who is nearing retirement has been brought in as IGR. Shivappa is the darling of the Reddy Brothers as he was their handpicked candidate for the Bellary DC post from the word go. It is to be remembered that when the Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa shunted out Shivappa from Bellary, the Reddy Brothers rose in revolt against Yedurappa and were almost succeeded in toppling him but for the last minute truce. Such is the importance Reddy Brothers gave to Shivappa. After the truce, Shivappa was brought back to Bellary as DC. 

 Off late, the Reddy Brothers are in serious trouble from Supreme Court cases and other assorted cases. Their empire is slowly but steadily crumbling and Shivappa was to be the protector. But somehow, Shivappa felt the heat of CBI probe and had to distance from the Reddy Brothers, for public consumption. When he was transferred two months back, it was given to understand that Reddy Brothers have got him shifted for his non co-operation in protecting them suitably from the probe. This impression is purposely created to insulate Shivappa for facing the CBI enquiry where he had to defend his actions. What more, he was not given any posting too. This was a clever ploy to send a message that Shivappa had fallen out of favour with Reddy Brothers. 

 And now the cat is out of the bag. The Reddy Brothers have brought him to the IGR post and in all possibility he will be given the Survey Department also. Nobody can have any doubt of Shivappa doing anything he can to obey the diktats of Reddy Brothers and going out of the way to help them. But that does not make him immune from the long arms of law. Shivappa had invited trouble from the High Court also in the matter of the election of Sriramalu’s sister from Bellary Loksabha constituency. He was grilled in the High Court for all the lapses. 

More than anything, the CBI probe into the illegal mining activities has already turned the heat on many of Reddy Brothers loyalists, retainers and associates. Shivappa who was almost a sort of partner to them, will have to face the CBI questions, if not today, tomorrow. In fact, if he were to be in Bellary as its DC, the CBI could have already touched him by now. It is for this precise reason that Shivappa got himself eased out of Bellary and remained without a post all these days. Nobody knows when the CBI will strike as the probe has become a prestige issue to both the CBI and the AP Government. And not to be left, Yedurappa is also breathing down the necks of Reddy Brothers. As such the Reddy Brothers needs the services of their loyal officials at strategic places and Shivappa is the best choice. 

 Besides, Shivappa is no new comer to the department and its fertility. He had worked as the District Registrar in Srirampura Undervaluation for a long time. His corruption at that time, to say the least, was rotten. However, he has already made heaps of money and as such he may not be bothered about it. Perhaps, what bothers him is the safe keeping of his crores. 

 Shivappa therefore may not try to mint money, but who knows, old habits die hard. As he is nearing the end of service shortly, he must do well in the department. 

 One definitely hopes against hope that Shivappa may prove ‘good’ at least during the fag end of his tainted career. Jayaram deserved the treatment and there can be no second opinion about it. As they say ‘as you sow so you reap’ this applies to Shivappa too.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter RAMYA V/S GANESH

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

RAMYA V/S GANESH 

DRAMA IN REAL LIFE 

The recent high drama in the Sandalwood is another addition to actress Ramya’s controversy. 

 The issue of her not attending the promotion of a film ‘Dandam Dashagunam’ produced by A. Ganesh has vertically divided the Sandalwood. 

 The issue is a trivial one which involves the financial transaction between Ganesh and Ramya. Ramya was paid 27 lakh as her remuneration for acting by the producer Ganesh and there is no dispute about it. But the crux of the matter is Rs. 10 lakhs financed by Ramya to Ganesh. The producers do take loans from stars and this has become a common practice. There is nothing new about it. 

 After the production, Ganesh took to film promotion which is a new trend in Sandalwood. The Producer, Director, lead Artists etc. hold press meets, participate in chat shows in TV Channels and even tour selected cities and towns to promote their film before its release. It is all about creating hype about the film to make people see it. Except rare exceptions, stars willingly participate in the promotion. 

 As usual, Ganesh too held a press meets to interact with the media but, Ramya, the leading lady in the film kept herself away from the press meet. When a reporter asked Ganesh at the conspicuous absence of Ramya, Ganesh said that she has not turned up despite her promise. Desperate to have her on the show, Ganesh is said to have contacted her on the mobile and Ramya was then shopping in a furniture shop. Basant Kumar Patil, the KFC Chairman understood the situation and realised that Ramya will not turn up. He addressed the Media and shared his views about the need to make it compulsory for the stars to attend the film promotion. 

 All hell broke lose at this comment of Basant Kumar Patil. Ramya added fuel to the fire by stating that the producer has not settled her account. She however took enough care to avoid mentioning of the loan amount, due from Ganesh. The KFC held a meeting over the issue and Ramya to pre-empt their move, tweeted that she will not act further in Kannada films. The very next day, she attended another film promotion and shed tears over her plight. She made a statement that she had lent money to Ganesh and he has not cared to settle her account. This was enough for some of the fellow artists to rush to her rescue. 

Ambareesh a leading light of the yesteryear Cinema and who is also the President of the Artists Association took up Ramya’s case. He directed Ganesh to pay Ramya her dues and apologise publicly to her that too before the media. The KFC had in the meanwhile decided to approach Ambareesh for a patch up bid. But, at the last moment, the move was abandoned as other Artists too started demanding settlement of their dues as well. Finally, the KFC and other Associations took the extreme step of banning Ramya. 

 In fact, Ramya was hiding the truth about the loan to Ganesh. The amount of Rs. 10 lakhs was lent to Ganesh by somebody and the loan agreement has a provision that Ganesh has to settle the loan before the release of the film. Ramya has also taken a blank cheque signed by Ganesh as an additional surety. The agreement contains the signature of Ramya as a witness and the lender is somebody else. It is another matter that Ganesh has already paid six lakhs towards loan and his dues are around four lakhs. The interest is a different story of course. Nobody lends money to the producers at a normal rate of interest and Ramya had damned the producer for not paying up this money. She is now demanding 9 lakhs as due. 

 Of course, Ramya could have obtained ‘stay’ from the court against the release of the film if Ganesh had not paid up by then. She could have even approached the KFC, but the matter was purely a financial transaction in personal capacity. Moreover there is also a blank cheque signed by Ganesh which she could have presented to the bank and filed a cheque bounce case in case of dishonour, which could have brought her the money in no time. But the main problem is that Ramya has not given the loan to Ganesh personally and the lender, as per records, is a different person. 

 Ganesh, who has invested more than 4.50 crore to produce the film, has become a discredited person with the Ramya’s episode. He has three more films which are at the various stages of completion and for a paltry few lakhs, he has been publicly humiliated and damned. Ramya will have the last laugh as she is supported by Ambareesh and other leaders of the sandalwood and the ban will not affect her in any way. 

 The film industry comprises of Producers, Directors, Actors, Music Directors, Technicians and Exhibitors. Entire film industry is dependent on one another and can not survive without another. 

 Just take a look at the behaviour of some leading stars. Sudip acted free in the recently released film ‘Kempe Gowda’ because Shankare Gowda, the producer had lost much on Sudip’s earlier film. Now that the film became a box office hit, Shankare Gowda is all praise for Sudeep. Why go far? Rajanikant’s multi crore ‘Baba’ was a box office flop and the producers and distributors suffered heavy losses. But Rajanikant called all of them and made up their losses by paying from his pocket. It is said that he paid more than 25 crores in this regard! There are many numbers of such instances. Vishnuvardhan too had helped his producers by acting in their next films if the film bombed in the box office and the producer could not even earn the production cost. 

 A mere financial transaction between Ramya and Ganesh has been blown out of proportion. There was no need for the intervention of KFC or any other Associations in this matter. At the most, any senior person from the Sandalwood could have been asked to solve the problem at individual level. And now, actors like Ramya are targeting the producers and directors openly. They do not care about the films or the producers or directors, but, all they want is money.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter DANGEROUS SECRETS WIKILEAKS CO

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

DANGEROUS SECRETS 

WIKILEAKS COMES TO INDIA 

The Wikileaks has now turned its attention to India. It had earlier ‘leaked’ that many Indian politicians and businessmen have parked thousands of crores in Swiss Banks but did not reveal their names. However, the Supreme Court even before this leak took the Central Government to task for not doing anything to bring back the money stashed in Swiss Banks. 

The Central Government though admitted that it has the knowledge and in some cases, investigations are on, it refused to reveal the names. It also stated that it has entered into agreement with many countries for exchange of details of such culprits and it has to ink such agreements with remaining countries. And before the matter moved further, the Supreme Court directed to take action against Hasan Ali who is said to have evaded Tax up to Rs. 75000 crores. 

As such people expected the Wikileaks to reveal the names of Indians who hold Swiss accounts, but it did not. It proclaimed that 220 Indians have Swiss accounts and therefore it sure must have the names with it but refused to part with it. As on now, Wikileaks say that it will take few months to reveal the names. 

The case of Hasan Ali coming to light is definitely not because of Wikileaks. Hasan Ali was already under investigation by ED for quite sometime but since he enjoyed the patronage of political powers there was a delay in ED proceeding against him all these months. But once the Supreme Court rapped the ED and even set a dead line to act against Hasan Ali, the ED freed from the political pressure swiftly arrested him. ED has also disclosed that it is probing 44 cases of such big fishes but has refused to reveal the names lest the probe may suffer or the persons may slip out of the country. 

Wikileaks has turned its attention to political leadership and the America’s interference in Indian political system. The ‘Cash for vote’ for Nuclear Treaty with USA has come to light through Wikileaks. It may be recalled that the left parties withdrew support to Manmohan Singh Government over the Nuclear Treaty with USA and the Government was reduced minority. The Samajavadi Party came to its rescue and its famous wheeler dealer Amar Singh ‘managed’ the requisite strength to save the Government. A parliamentary committee was set up to probe the ‘cash for vote’ issue and the committee has almost white washed the same. 

The Wikileaks has now brought back the scam to the fore. It has published ‘cables’ from the top US embassy official who ‘informed’ the USA about the heaps of money he was privy to witness, brought by some henchmen of ruling party leaders to pay for the MPs to vote in favour of UPA or abstain. The official had made a statement that Ajit Singh of RLD was given several crores to make his party MPs to vote for the UPA. In fact every body knows that Ajit Singh and his party MPs voted against the UPA. Interestingly, Amar Singh the biggest political broker the country has ever seen had played a crucial role in saving the UPA. In fact, the UPA had entrusted the ‘Operation’ to Amar Singh and he successfully saved the day for UPA. But Wikileaks has no mention of Amar Singh’s role in the entire episode. His role was decisive. 

As usual, the BJP went tongs and hammers at the UPA Government in the parliament. It demanded the Prime Minister’s resignation in the wake of the Wikileaks exposure. The PM Manmohan Singh has questioned the credibility of the Wikileaks but the BJP is demanding nothing short of Manmohan Singh’s scalp. The other day, it had moved a privilege motion against Manmohan Singh for lying to the house. 

When the BJP was going great guns at Manmohan Singh, Wikileaks ‘leaked’ cables which portrayed the senior leaders of BJP for having toed the line of USA. It exposed how the BJP leaders like L.K.Advani indulged in double talk. The cable from the US embassy officials narrated how L.K.Advani assured his support to Nuclear Treaty with the US officials while he opposed the same in the parliament. The BJP leaders are all embarrassed. The Wikileaks continued to ‘leak’ the cables of US embassy officials about BJP leaders. One can expect many more ‘cable leaks’ from Wikileaks in days to come. 

Of course, the cables sent by the US embassy officials are reflective of their assessment of people which need not be the official stand. Just like a person who writes ‘Diary’ documenting his activities of the day and his impressions, the cables reflect the particular official’s assessment about the men and matter which he comes into contact with. Their assessment may or may not be accepted by the US government. It is simply an opinion. The embassy officials of any country do not always send inputs about the developments in that country to their Governments. Many a time, most of the countries post some police intelligence officials to their consulates - embassies on deputation. This is not a new phenomenon. Many a time, the host country asks a diplomat or a high ranking official to leave the country within a day or two if they are caught spying or doing some undesirable acts. 

The Wikileaks has darkened the faces of UPA and BJP - the two major political players in the country. Interestingly, the BJP is treating Wikileaks exposure as Gospel Truth and attacking the Congress led UPA. But if the same is applied to them, it says the exposures are manipulated and that there are no truths in it. 

As on now, the Wikileaks has discredited UPA, the ruling party and BJP, the opposition party in equal measure. There may be some more leaks and the target will be decided by the Wikileaks which has its own agenda. In a way, Wikileaks too has become a tool to the vested interests for serving their purpose. 

More than anything, there is the question of credibility of the Wikileaks itself. But nobody wants to question its credibility. And that is the tragedy.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex 

Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy 

 Strange are the ways the land developers cheat the public exchequer in collusion with the Sub Registrars while registering the sale deeds. We have come across a case where the developer, Engineers Syndicate has cheated the government crores of rupees of stamp duty while registering their commercial apartments in White Field Main Road. The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy had assessed the market value of the apartment only on the undivided share of the land and not the cost of the fully built commercial complexes. Shantha Murthy who was the Sub Registrar in Mahadevapura Sub Registry office has since moved to Banasawadi office.

 The government has fixed guidelines value to assess the market value of the properties for the sale of collection of stamp duty. It had fixed the market value for apartments dispensing with the age old custom of levying market value for the undivided share in the land and cost of the building. Now, the value is fixed on square foot basis on the superbuilt up area. Under this system, there is no valuation separately for undivided share of the land and the super built up area. 

 But the willing Sub Registrars have shown scant respect to this stipulation and colluded with unscrupulous developers to cheat stamp duty to the tune of crores. The Bangalore Metro Reporter has come across a startling case of a leading developer registering more than 50 commercial flats paying stamp duty on the undivided share of the land. 

 The case in the point in Engineers Syndicate which had built a huge commercial complex on a plot of 2 acres 30 guntas land in Hoodi - Whitefield Main Road. It had sold more than 50 big commercial shops ranging from 2000 sqft. to 8000 square feet. As per the market value, these flats cost between 80 lakhs to three crores. 

But the Sub Registrar of Mahadevapura Sub Registry office Shantha Murthy has registering these sale deeds without caring for even the market valuation fixed by the government let alone real market value. Infact, even though the area had come under BBMP in January 2007 itself, the Sub Registrar had applied the valuation applicable to the CMC areas in April 2007. Moreover, the value of the commercial properties will be fixed at 25% more than the market valuation. 

 The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy has also manipulated the registration records in respect of payment of stamp duty and the certificate of payment of stamp duty. The scam had come to the notice of the then Revenue Secretary Narayana Swamy who took his own protection money to allow Shantha Murthy go slot free. The state has cost not less than two crores stamp duty because of the collusion between the developer and the Sub Registrar. Curiously, in some documents, the developer has not shown the sale consideration itself. 

Fearing action, Shantha Murthy took a transfer to Banasawadi office. But still the law of the land had to follow him. Shantha Murthy, a highly powerful and resourceful Sub Registrar had even tried to browbeat the Lokayukta. It is time, the government take a look at this scam.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex 

 Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy 

 Strange are the ways the land developers cheat the public exchequer in collusion with the Sub Registrars while registering the sale deeds. We have come across a case where the developer, Engineers Syndicate has cheated the government crores of rupees of stamp duty while registering their commercial apartments in White Field Main Road. The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy had assessed the market value of the apartment only on the undivided share of the land and not the cost of the fully built commercial complexes. Shantha Murthy who was the Sub Registrar in Mahadevapura Sub Registry office has since moved to Banasawadi office.

 The government has fixed guidelines value to assess the market value of the properties for the sale of collection of stamp duty. It had fixed the market value for apartments dispensing with the age old custom of levying market value for the undivided share in the land and cost of the building. Now, the value is fixed on square foot basis on the superbuilt up area. Under this system, there is no valuation separately for undivided share of the land and the super built up area. 

 But the willing Sub Registrars have shown scant respect to this stipulation and colluded with unscrupulous developers to cheat stamp duty to the tune of crores. The Bangalore Metro Reporter has come across a startling case of a leading developer registering more than 50 commercial flats paying stamp duty on the undivided share of the land. 

 The case in the point in Engineers Syndicate which had built a huge commercial complex on a plot of 2 acres 30 guntas land in Hoodi - Whitefield Main Road. It had sold more than 50 big commercial shops ranging from 2000 sqft. to 8000 square feet. As per the market value, these flats cost between 80 lakhs to three crores. 

But the Sub Registrar of Mahadevapura Sub Registry office Shantha Murthy has registering these sale deeds without caring for even the market valuation fixed by the government let alone real market value. Infact, even though the area had come under BBMP in January 2007 itself, the Sub Registrar had applied the valuation applicable to the CMC areas in April 2007. Moreover, the value of the commercial properties will be fixed at 25% more than the market valuation. 

 The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy has also manipulated the registration records in respect of payment of stamp duty and the certificate of payment of stamp duty. The scam had come to the notice of the then Revenue Secretary Narayana Swamy who took his own protection money to allow Shantha Murthy go slot free. The state has cost not less than two crores stamp duty because of the collusion between the developer and the Sub Registrar. Curiously, in some documents, the developer has not shown the sale consideration itself. 

Fearing action, Shantha Murthy took a transfer to Banasawadi office. But still the law of the land had to follow him. Shantha Murthy, a highly powerful and resourceful Sub Registrar had even tried to browbeat the Lokayukta. It is time, the government take a look at this scam.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE LEGEND OF HIS HOLINESS MESSIAH OF PEACE TURNS 100. LEGEND WORTH KN

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

THE LEGEND OF HIS HOLINESS MESSIAH OF PEACE TURNS 100. LEGEND WORTH KNOWING. 

 His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin is a spiritual and temporal head of about million plus Dawoodi Bohras settled throughout the world. His Holiness functions as the vicegerent to the Imam who ruled over a large part of Islamic empire in the 10th to 12th Centuries and executes much of the Imam’s reverential position and authority as Dai al Mutlaq. While Imam is from the progeny of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and the supreme head of the Shia Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi Dawoodi Bohras, Dai al Mutlaq is the authority instituted by the Imams to lead the followers of Imam during their seclusion which is in occurrence since 12th Century. His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin is the 52nd incumbent to this august office of al-Dai al-Mutlaq. 

 As the occupant of this office for about 47 years, His holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin has revived his community by giving vibrant expression to the community’s devotion to the family of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) thus bringing it closer to its Fatimi roots through a varied educational and architectural endeavors. Besides, he has also restructured the community’s identity and promoted a movement to draw its business ethics closer to Islamic tenets. He has thus affected a significant spiritual and cultural upliftment of the community and its practice of the faith. 

 HIS HOLINESS DR. SYEDNA MOHAMMED BURHANUDDIN SAHEB- 

 His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin is an accomplished scholar, an illustrious philanthropist and an untiring traveler and veritable ambassador of goodwill. 

 His Holiness was born in Surat (India) on March 6th 1915. His revered father and predecessor Dr. Syedna Taher Saifuddin the 51st Dial-ul-Mutlaq predicted that his son would be a harbinger of honor and glory for the community and a messenger of peace and harmony for the entire world. 

 To fulfill the objective he was best trained in all the various fields. Consequently under the disciplined tutelage and personal supervision of his learned father, His Holiness mastered the entire Quran-Ul-Majeed at a tender age of 13. His excellent and exceptional intellectual ability made him a master of various religious scriptures at a young age and at the age of 19 he was designated successor to the office of Al-Dia-ul-Mutlaq by Syedna Taher Saifuddin. He ascended the seat of Al-Dai-ul-Mutlaq as its 52nd incumbent in the year 1965 on the sad demise of Dr.Syedna Taher Saifuddin. As predicted he reached the height of glory with incredible achievements falling at his feet. His era undoubtedly came to be known as the Golden era in the history of Dai-ul-Mutlaq. 

 Educational Contributions 

 We are living in turbulent times. Internationally there are wars and upheavals. But there is a war that each one of us must fight closer home, a war between good and evil. If this is difficult for us as adults, it is even more so for our children. Modernity is a two edged weapon. While it provides luxuries it also exposes us and our children to demoralized behavior. It is the task of educational institutions to provide cultural values along with worldly education to bring out a disciplined character and beneficial noble citizens. This will make life stable, purposeful and honorable. 

Education being a backbone of prosperity is thus given a great emphasis by His Holiness. He has therefore established a number of educational institutions worldwide, the first being, ‘Burhani College of Commerce and Arts’ at Mumbai, in the year 1970. At present there are over 400 educational institutions all over the world which are functioning under the administration of His Holiness. 

 As the teachings in the institutions lay stress on mental and material well being, spiritual training, organizational ability and internal discipline, there is obviously ample of social activities and myriad of contributions to the society by the community. 

 Contributions to Environment 

 Environment being the most crucial topic of concern globally, His Holiness with his foresight and divine guidance has been successfully able to educate the community about the preciousness of environment and motivate them to preserve this treasure. 

 On the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1991 he established “Burhani Foundation (India)” to promote research and awareness in environment. 

 This institution has made excellent contributions in the field of environment and struggles throughout the year to promote awareness about the same. The environmental contributions reach the peak during the celebration time of birthday of His Holiness, when the entire community teams up and works for the betterment of environment. The latest environmental program during the current ongoing centenary celebration is the Save Our Sparrow project. Under this, the Burhani Foundation (India) distributed 52000 Bird Feeders free of cost worldwide to interested people in order to provide a year round source of food to the humble sparrow and other tiny birds that are facing extinction. 

 Social Contributions 

 Man is a social being and thus has certain social obligations to perform. His Holiness being a conscious soul ensures that he and his community members discharge their social duties to the fullest extent. His sincere and dedicated efforts to establish social prosperity are praise worthy. The personal financial contributions of His Holiness for social betterment are unaccountable. He has also established several public charitable trusts, the amount of which runs in crores for the service of mankind. 

 Financial assistance to Entrepreneurs 

 Finance is the fuel of an economy. No doubt there are numerous financial institutions throughout the world that lend money on interest, but you will be astonished to know that, His Holiness has established “Burhani Qarzan Hasanah Trust” based on the tenets of Quran, which lends absolutely interest free loans. Peter Drucker in his book “Managing in Turbulent Times” predicted that in this decade many organizations will collapse because of the burden of finance cost. His Holiness predicted the same in the year 1939 and saved mankind from the clutches of interest. The prime purpose of the trust is to provide seat capital for the development of business. 

 Recognitions 

 The personality of His Holiness has a magnetism of its own. Where ever he goes he draws huge crowds and dignitaries, who come to receive his blessings and seek his guidance and advice. In the context of his magnificent contribution, it is inevitable that he is recognized throughout the world. Wherever he has been he has been honored by recognition. 

 Following are a few: 

 • In the year 1966, His Holiness was conferred the Degree of Dr. of Islamic Studies by Al Azhar University of Cairo (Egypt). 

• In the same year he was conferred the honorary degree of Dr. of Theology by the Aligarh Muslim University in recognition of his broad and liberal humanism. 

• In 1976, on the occasion of historic World of Islam festival hosted in London, Syedna was invited and delivered a series of memorable lectures at the International Islamic Conference on Aspects of Islamic studies held at Albert Hall. 

• In 1978, he was awarded the title of Visha-hun-neel, a rare distinction presented to foreign dignitaries by his Excellency President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. 

• 1980, Syedna established the Burhani Qardan Hasanah Trust (interest free loan), to propogate and foster the lofty Quranic concept of Qardan hasanah. 

• In 1982, in appreciation for the noble services to the cause of humanity his royal highness, the Lt. King Hussain of Jordon honored him with the highest civilian award of “Order of Star of Jordan(1st rank)”. 

• In 1986, the mayor of Houston USA presented His Holiness a proclamation declaring 8th August 1986 as His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Day. 

• In 1988, the governor of Punjab (Pakistan) presented him “The Key of Lahore”.

 • In 1992, the mayor of Chittagong (Bangladesh) presented him “The Golden key of the City”. 

• In the same year the governor of Noysbee (Madagasgar) presented “Emblem of the City to him.

 • In 1996, a number of cities in the US and Canada including San Jose, Houston, Dallas, Irving, Richmond Hill proclaimed Syedna as the Honorary Citizen and presented him ‘Key of the City’ 

• In 1999, he accepted the Chancellorship of Aligarh Muslim University. 

• Also in the year 2001, he was presented “Key of the City of Houston” by the mayor during his visit to the city then. 

• In 2004, Syedna was conferred a Degree of ‘Doctor of Letters’ by the University of Karachi, Pakistan. 

• In 2005, Syedna reconstructed the multi specialty ‘Saifee Hospital’ in Mumbai. Honourable Indian Prime Minister Mr. Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the same. 

• In 2007, Mayor of Houston, USA presented a proclamation to Syedna declaring Monday, 7th May, 2007 as “His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin day” in Houston. 

• Besides he also has numerous religious titles awarded by his predecessor father. 

• In spite of his ripe age, His Holiness dedicates his entire working hours to the service of mankind. He leads the prayers, solemnizes marriages, gives his valuable advice, visits the homes of the faithful, personally oversees the affairs of over 400 community run educational institutions, supervises hospital and charitable institutions, looks after to the provisions of free boarding and lodging for thousands of pilgrims, provides scholarships for educations to deserving students, gives special aid to the aged and infirm and it is a wonder to know that no file remains with him for more than 24 hrs. 

 His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb will complete 99 years of his life and enter on the grand 100th year as per Islamic Calendar which falls on Friday, 25th March 2011. 

 “THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER” salutes the Messiah and heartily wishes His Holiness on the 100th Birthday and also wishes for his long, healthy and prosperous life for the betterment of mankind. 

SERVING THE NEEDY IS HUMANITY.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter PASSING THE PARCEL IGR & CS HAS NO INFORMATION. DOESN’T WANT TO WORK FOR IT

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

PASSING THE PARCEL 

IGR & CS HAS NO INFORMATION. DOESN’T WANT TO WORK FOR IT 

 TBMR had filed an RTI with IGR & CS department asking for some useful information about the Stamp papers which were issued by the State Bank of Mysore. While the PIO at IGR & CS did not reply to the RTI, the same was filed with the Appellate authority to provide the information. The Appellate authority called the applicant on 08th March 2011 and our Editor appeared for the same. However, what happened then was really shocking. 

 The IGR & CS himself being the head of the department was the Appellate authority himself. It was Mr. S. N. Jayaram, a 1994 batch IAS Officer who also was the Ex-MD of the Karnataka State Co-Op Apex Bank Ltd. 

 When the Editor, an RTI applicant approached, the appellate Mr. Jayaram advised him to file an RTI with the SBM whose information is required rather then asking the same from IGR & CS. This is extremely condemnable. How can a responsible person like the appellate authority and IGR & CS don’t know the RTI rules? It is the duty of the appellate to provide the information sought to any RTI applicant. Besides, Mr. Jayaram also asked him a copy of the SBM Appellate authority reply against his RTI appeal filed with them earlier. Frankly, it is not his business. 

 The IGR & CS department is paying more than one lakh rupees as rent from the tax payers money for the building and it is the duty of the officers to monitor the activities pertaining to the Revenue department. In this case, they must monitor and maintain records of all Stamp papers transactions done by the Bank etc. 

However it is not done so. None of the required documents are neither obtained by the IGR & CS department till date & are not even collecting or demanding from the bank. In spite of RTI being filed regarding the same, the IGR & CS is least bothered to collect the information from the Bank and provide the same. On the Contrary, the IGR & CS who is also the Appellate authority, asked the applicant to seek the information from the Bank directly. 

 Besides, the Appellate asking for the copy of the reply by the SBM appellate is also highly condemnable. It may be for the intention to just copy paste the information as given by the SBM appellate and issue a reply to the applicant there by misguiding him. 

 When an appeal was filed with the Appellate, the authority called him to office. But, then, how could you call an applicant to your office only to tell him that he has to file an RTI with the respective Bank in stead to seek the information required? Does not this clearly show the world how an important department like IGR & CS is functioning? 

 It is reminded that it is the duty of the IGR & CS and the whole department to get the relevant information from the related source and provide to applicants whosoever he may be. On the contrary, the information primarily should be available with you in first place, rather than seeking it from the related source later on. 

 Your act of suggesting Banks name for the information and also asking for the copy of SBM appellate is highly condemnable Mr. IGR & CS. 

 The Editor has however filed an appeal with the KIC regarding the information. And by the way, Mr. Jayaram, the IGR & CS got transferred from his post on 11th March and the new IGR & CS Mr. Shivappa (IAS) has taken up the charge.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BUSINESSES CELEBRATE THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

BUSINESSES CELEBRATE THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS 

 The worldwide million plus Dawoodi Bohra community is in immense festive mood. Their spiritual and temporal head, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) will complete 99 years of life and enter the grand 100th year as per Islamic calendar which falls on 25th March 2011. 

 It should be noted that His Holiness emphasized on Entrepreneurship and due to his constant and sincere efforts, the Dawoodi Bohras today are famous worldwide as Traders and Businessmen. It is therefore relatively important that the festive mood of Centenary Celebrations pierces into the Business life of Dawoodi Bohras. 

 In the Context, in Bangalore, Burhani Shopping Festival is organized wherein the Dawoodi Bohra businessmen will reward their customers with gifts and compliments in return for purchases made by them. While majority of the Dawoodi Bohras have their establishments in City Market area, the Burhani Shopping Festival is organized on Sadar Patrappa Road, Silver Jubilee Park Road and Narasimha Raja Road and its by lanes. 

 Burhani Shopping Festival was inaugurated today on Monday, 14th March at 11am on a grand scale in presence of many Political and other dignitaries. Dr. Hema Chandra Sagar, BJP MLA (Chickpet Constituency), R. Roshan Baig, Congress MLA (Shivajinagar Constituency), Zameer Ahmed, JD(S) MLA (Chamrajpet Constituency) graced the occasion. Dhanaraj, BJP Corporator of Dharmaya Temple Ward No. 119 and Gunashekhar, Corporator of Jayamahal Ward No. 63, were also present for the occasion. Members of the KHAMA association and other dignitaries including the Bangalore Aamil Saheb of Dawoodi Bohra community, Sk. Khuzaimabhai Yamani were also present. 

 The Dawoodi Bohras establishments are all decorated and placards of greetings to His Holiness on Centenary Celebrations and his contributions in various fields and achievements are also briefly displayed at all outlets. Any customer that checks in any of the premises, and shops for goods will be rewarded with proportionate worth compliments to commemorate the Centenary celebrations of His Holiness. Gift items consists of Laptop Bags, Shopping Bags, Cash Bags, Silver coins etc. 

 Burhani Shopping Festival will officially run up to 25th March, the corresponding day of Gregorian calendar, when His Holiness will begin his 100th grand year of life. The individual establishments also may extend the offer for a longer period.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE CHOICE AND THE CONTROVERSY VISHWA KANNADA SAMMELANA MIRED BY CONTROVERSIES-YET SUCCESSFUL

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE CHOICE AND THE CONTROVERSY 

 VISHWA KANNADA SAMMELANA MIRED BY CONTROVERSIES-YET SUCCESSFUL 

 The Vishwa Kannada Sammelana though vital for Karnataka, became a cesspool of controversies. The Government spent more than 30 crores to sponsor it, but, the Sammelana which was immediate to the Kannada Meet in Bangalore was definitely not a good move. Thousands of Kannadigas who are still relishing the Kannada meet held by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, found it hard to prepare for the World Kannada meet within such a short period. 

 WORLD KANNADA MEET 

 The Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa had sometime back declared that the Government will hold World Kannada meet in Belgaum on March 11 to 13. As the meet was organized by the Government, it implies that the dominant and decisive role was of the politicians and bureaucrats, and not of Kannada organizations, writers and ordinary kannadigas. The Government decided whom to invite and what resolutions to pass. It also decided the agenda and needless to say that the meet was aimed for publicity. All one could do is to attend the meet, purchase a couple of kannada books, taste the food if it was available, and return to their natives. 

 There was no need for World Kannada meet a month after All India Kannada Meet, but, politics made Yedurappa to hold the meet for improving his public image. While there is real threat to Yedurappa’s position and there are strong possibilities of the state going for a snap poll, Yedurappa had to build up his tainted image, and he hit upon the Kannada Meet. 

 SOFTWARE MAN-HARD TO DIGEST 

 Whatever, the World Kannada meet was mired in controversies. The Government chose Infosys’ Boss N.R Narayana Murthy to inaugurate the Meet and popular Hindi Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to be the Chief Guest. The choice of Narayan Murthy became a big controversy. The kannada scholars and activists strongly protested over the choice of Narayan Murthy arguing that his contributions as far as Kannada is concerned, is a big zero. In fact, it is he who is advocating English education from the primary level. 

Besides, he has no contributions to the kannada or kannadigas either in the state or elsewhere? His Infosys Company has provided employment to more than two lakh people in the state and elsewhere, but, hardly 10% of them are kannadigas. It has also till now not developed a single software in Kannada. It is to be remembered that NRN built his present Infosys empire in Bangalore with the largesse like land, tax exemption and other soups offered by the then Chief Minister HD Deve Gowda. He came into public dominance during SM Krishna regime and was even tipped for the President of India post but was denied due to the National Anthem controversy. 

 It is under this back drop that the choice of Yedurappa to invite Narayan Murthy to inaugurate the World Kannada Meet was opposed. On the Contrary, his wife Sudha Murthy has done more service to Kannada and the State through her Foundation. She has written kannada books and is actively involved in social work. She can be credited with hi-tech toilets in Bangalore and she is also encouraging poor meritorious students to pursue their education through scholarships and donations. But Yedurappa had his own ideas. 

 Naturally, the kannada organizations and writers took strong objection to the choice of Narayan Murthy to inaugurate the meet. Many organizations even threatened to boycott the meet itself. Yedurappa, shaken with the developments, tried to defend on the pretext that Narayan Murthy is the most visible face of kannadiga in the world and the state would be honouring itself by honouring Narayan Murthy. But, people were not convinced. 

 ALL FOR GLAMOUR 

 Further, the choice of Ashwarya Rai Bachchan as the Chief Guest was also equally controversial. Except that she was born in Karnataka, all her studies and career are limited to Hindi cinema and she has grown in stature after her marriage with Abhishek Bachchan. Her contribution to Kannada is again a big zero and her presence at the kannada meet was limited to glamour. 

 Besides, Yedurappa on the eve of the World Kannada Meet got another Hindi actress Hema Malini elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka. 

 UNITED FOR KANNADA 

 Whatever, keep aside the intentions and dirty politics in organizing such respectful events, the World Kannada Meet was hugely successful indeed. It is pleasure to know that all those who participated raised one voice to unite and contribute towards Karnataka and its culture. And that is what counts. Isn’t it!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter PLANNING THE SANCTIONS NAGADEVANAHALLI LAYOUT- ONE LAYOUT, MULTIPLE PLANS LOKSEVA HOUSING SOCIETY- CO-OP. SOCIETY FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSE

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

PLANNING THE SANCTIONS 

NAGADEVANAHALLI LAYOUT- ONE LAYOUT, MULTIPLE PLANS LOKSEVA HOUSING SOCIETY- CO-OP. SOCIETY FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSE 

 The Lokseva Housing Co-operative Society floated by the KPSC employees provide a classic Text book case in the art of confusion. The best example for this confusion is its Nagadevahalli Layout, formed on 12 acres 3 Guntas of land. The BDA had sanctioned 165 sites in 1993 and later in 2006 another layout plan supposed to have been sanctioned provided 187 sites. This draft layout plan only has the signature of a petty official who had signed ‘For’ Deputy Director of Town Planning. Then, another sanctioned layout plan of 200 sites was prepared and no one knows which one is legal? Interestingly, the BDA has refused to sanction another modified plan for carving out sites from CA areas. 

 In our current issue, we bring to you the scams in Lokaseva Housing Co-operative Society which is floated by the KPSC employees for the KPSC employees, but, has already outlived its utility. After providing sites to members (in all 192,) the society should have been winded up, but, M N Gururaja alias M N Gururaja Rao, the secretary of the society converted it into a real estate firm forming many more layouts and selling the sites to public at market rates. 

 M N Gururaja Rao, presently the Assistant Secretary in the KPSC is also functioning as M N Gururaja in the Society. He has been the Secretary since its formation in the eighties. Despite the Co-operative Act stipulating to adopt model bye laws to all the Co-operative Societies in the State, this is the only society which cared too hoots for adopting the model bye law. As per the Act, every Co-operative Society shall have paid Secretary and no member or Director can become the Secretary let alone paid Secretary. But M N Gururaj, who has become a law unto himself, is still continuing as Secretary. 

To avoid departmental action, he is staying himself as M N Gururaj instead of his original and official name of M N Gururaja Rao. If troubles come, he can avoid the consequences by stating that M N Gururaj, the Secretary of the Lokaseva Housing Society is different from M N Gururaja Rao, the Assistant Secretary in KPSC! 

 Forget about all these. In the formation of its first layout at Nagadevanahalli, M N Gururaj has committed unimaginable scams but his high links at high places, has blinded the eyes of the Co-operative department officials who are supposed to take action against the omissions and commissions in the society. 

 In fact, the society had purchased 12 acres and 3 guntas of lands in Survey. No. 24 and 25 of Nagadevanahalli, bordering Ullal. The sale deed between the land owners and the society shows that M N Gururaj has signed as M N Gururaja Rao and the BDA had also sanctioned the layout plan of the society. It sanctioned 165 sites of various dimensions. M N Gururaj submitted a list of Members of the society totaling 192 members (which included around 34 set up members who paid only Rs. 100 as share fee). Deducting those who have not paid the sital amount, 165 sites were more than sufficient to cater to the needs of all the eligible members of the society. 

 But M N Gururaj had sold more than 200 sites in this layout! How could this happen when the total sanctioned sites were only 165? The fact is that M N Gururaj had unofficially purchased adjacent land and formed sites in that area also without caring to follow the law of the land. But there was a hitch. If somebody wanted to purchase a site in the layout if he went for legal opinion, the cat would be out of the bag. 

The fact that while the BDA had sanctioned only 165 sites and the society had sold 200 sites will not go undetected. To insulate himself against such detection of fraud, M N Gururaj tried to show a façade of legality. He submitted another draft layout plan in 2005 to the BDA. In the draft layout plan, 187 sites have been shown. That is a clear increase of 22 sites over the earlier sanctioned sites. Curiously, M N Gururaj had given that draft layout plan to many gullible purchasers to show that the society has formed 187 sites. To make it seem like an official copy, he got a petty official in BDA to ‘endorse’ the copy as ‘For’ Deputy Director Town Planning! 

 This is not the end of the road. M N Gururaj wanted to sell some sites as the land prices sky rocketed between the years 2006 to 2008. He wanted to form some more sites and make crores. He formed sites in the park areas too and submitted another modified areas plan. He had used all his influences to get the BDA to approve the modified plans. But, as the parks had already been handed over to the BBMP, the BDA refused the sanction. 

 In fact, M N Gururaj had cleverly manipulated the dimensions of the sites to increase the number of sites. He had formed sites of dimensions like 60 x 551/2”, 30 x 41, etc. By doing such manipulations, he increased the number of sites. But the question is – how could the BDA sanction sites measuring 30x41, 40x551/2 etc. 

Any answers??

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE BURDEN OF INVESTIGATION JPC probe into 2G Spectrum is a meaningless exercise

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

THE BURDEN OF INVESTIGATION

JPC probe into 2G Spectrum is a meaningless exercise

 The UPA Government has finally agreed to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe the 2G Spectrum scam. The BJP which demanded the JPC did not allow the winter session of the Parliament to transact any business. Now, the JPC is agreed upon and we can expect the Budget session to pass off peacefully. The UPA government did take a tough stand over the matter of not having the JPC, which it perceived would set a bad precedent. The formation of JPC will however become a double edged weapon to the BJP also. Congress on the contrary can use this as an opportunity, to cut size the DMK. Whatsoever, the constitution of JPC to probe the 2G Spectrum may not serve any purpose as there are already multi dimensional probes in action and almost complete on the same. 

 One does not know the background of the BJP for making a determined bid into the alleged 1.76 lakh crore 2G Spectrum scam. But, there are many chances that the same may backfire the BJP very hard. Interestingly while the BJP was insisting for a JPC probe, the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament headed by BJP’s senior leader Murali Manohar Joshi was also probing the 2G Spectrum scam. Yet the BJP fiercely demanded JPC. The Public Accounts Committee and the Joint Parliamentary Committee are common but for few differences. Both consist of MP’s of various parties and while PAC is headed by the Opposition, the JPC is headed by the Ruling party. 

Another difference between the two is that PAC can only summon people up to the rank of bureaucrats and not politicians and JPC can summon anyone related with the scam, be it the PM or an ordinary clerk. The JPC thus becomes the higher version of PAC. It is another matter that while the PAC was on, the Honourable PM had already offered to appear before the PAC if required and this was first time in Indian history. 

 Kapil Sibal, the HRD Minister who took over the Telecom Ministry after the resignation of the tainted Telecom Minister A. Raja, appointed a retired Supreme Court Judge Shivraj Patil to probe the scam in detail with particular stress in the procedural aspects since 2001. Justice Shivraj Patil submitted a report within a month identifying the procedural lapses and the persons involved including Telecom Minister and other officials. The report also proved embarrassing for the BJP as, it was in power between the years 1999 to 2004. Pramod Mahajan and Arun Shourie of the BJP are also accused of abetting the procedural lapses by the commission. 

 All in all, three enquiries have already been held over the 2G spectrum scam. The PAC of the Parliament has almost completed the probe. The CBI is half the way and will finish it in a couple of months and Justice Shivraj Patil has already submitted the report over the procedural lapses. 

 Further constituting a JPC to probe the scam will bear no fruit. The multiplicity of the probes by the PAC, CBI, and ED will all come in the way of the political probe. While this is the fourth JPC probe, it too is expected to bite the dust like the earlier Bofors and Harshad Mehta case. 

 The Supreme Court monitored CBI probe is enough to do the justice in this scam. The CBI has already filed charge sheets against Raja and some others and as the investigation continues many more prominent names of Politicians, Bureaucrats, Industrialists will tumble out. 

 By the way, the Congress too accepted the JPC probe after major factors of the scam already became public and the CBI already roped in the main culprits. Hereafter, the JPC will not have much work to do. Besides, the PAC is also probing the scam. It simply cannot whitewash the scam as it is headed by the opposition leader. And most importantly, the entire scam revolves around the procedure lapses in the telecom ministry, the report of which is already submitted by Justice Shivraj Patil. 

 In such a scenario, besides gaining the publicity value and an opportunity to blame the ruling Government, the JPC will not serve any other purpose. But truly, that is what the Political party and the politicians are interested in. Is it not?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE GREAT DAMAGER-II LOAN RAISING SCAM OF THE KLAC GM

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE GREAT DAMAGER-II 

 LOAN RAISING SCAM OF THE KLAC GM 

 TBMR in its past edition had covered a story about the corrupt official of Karnataka Land Army Corporation, now known as Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited. The General Manager Mr. S.V.Venkatesh Murthy, has credited himself with bundles of manipulations. He is not an ordinary or notorious corrupt official but a bulldozer of corruption who enjoys the unadulterated support of few IAS officials. While suspension is the logical decision for corrupt practices, the culprit here was abundantly rewarded and promoted for undertaking manipulations. 

 While there are myriads of manipulations of S.V.Venkatesh, we are featuring an exclusive loan raising story of the manipulative General Manager. 

 THE BEGINNING 

 When M.R.Srinivasa Murthy became the BMP (now BBMP) Commissioner, Footpath works worth more than 20 crores were entrusted to KLAC and S.V.Venkatesh was entrusted the same. However, the works executed by S.V.Venkatesh were all out and out substandard. The Foot path works were entrusted to sub contractors and more than 60% of the works were done by private contractors who got it on sub contract from S.V.Venkatesh. 

 FORCEFUL NEED 

 Primarily there was no need of laying concrete block footpaths after removing the cobble stone footpaths. The cobble stone footpaths have stood the test of the time and the BMP would have saved several crores if the renovation of footpaths were done by replacing the damaged stone slabs and relaying the existing slabs. But the story was different here. 

 BLUNDER IN WORK 

 Almost total of the footpath work undertaken by KLAC had gone waste. Most of the cement curbstones and tiles that were laid came off and the footpaths worn out. The BBMP was forced to lay many footpaths afresh, some with Sira stones or mosaic tiles. The BBMP had also entrusted the Hi tech toilets numbering around 100, at cost of more than 9 crores and within two-three years, most of the hi-tech toilets also become non-functional. Shockingly, in spite of all these, nobody in the BMP questioned the quality and quantum of works done by S.V.Venkatesh. On the contrary, even the payments were made to him. 

 WITHOUT THE GODFATHER 

 Later, after the exit of M.R.Srinivas Murthy, S.V.Venkatesh faced hurdles in getting the BMP to settle the bills, most of which were with excess claims. The BMP adopted a tough stand of releasing of payment only after inspection of work. Up till then, S.V.Venkatesh had submitted claims to the tune of more than Rs. 18 crores towards final settlement. But the BBMP estimated the works worth a little above 10 crores. 

 As the BBMP tightened the screws, S.V.Venkatesh had no money to complete many other works. The BBMP officials had made it clear that they will clear the bills only after the inspection of quality and quantity of the executed work. 

 RAISING THE LOSS 

 While he was in trouble, he did the most unimaginable. The KLAC had to undertake works, after the entrusting agencies deposit money. In many cases, the money was released in installments depending upon the progress of the works. In the case of BBMP also, the KLAC had got substantial money to start the works. But when the BBMP took the tough stand that it will pay the final bills only after the claims were checked and counterchecked, S.V.Venkatesh felt the heat. He then forced the then MD Ravishankar to divert some of KLAC money to BBMP zone, still not enough money could be diverted. 

S.V.Venkatesh therefore forced the then MD to procure a loan of 3.60 crores from Corporation Bank, Shivajinagar. The KLAC had kept an FD of more than 20 crores at the said bank branch, being the savings on works accrued in the past several years. The FD was mortgaged and 3.60 crore loan was raised. 

 There was absolutely no need for raising a loan and that too on the FD. Rather, S.V.Venkatesh could have made efforts to get the BBMP payments released. The loan was however raised and spent within a few days on works. 

But what are the returns? Even assuming 10% savings (or profits in other words) the KLAC could have earned 36 lakhs. Further, if we deduct the interest for the three months, the KLAC would have netted 23-24 lakhs, provided the work was completed and the bill was then settled. 

 But what is the reality? After taking the loan on 7.3.2007, S.V.Venkatesh simply spent it on works and kickbacks. The work therefore suffered and the repayment delayed resulting in KLAC paying lakhs of rupees as interest charges against the loan. 

Any agency works for profit and what is the use to exist and undertake work that is bound to give no returns. The loan raised by KLAC has inflicted losses to the department rather than benefiting them. On the contrary, the amount if it remained in Fixed Deposit scheme would have fetched them more. 

 PROFIT V/S LOSS 

 The KLAC could have earned lakhs of rupees as interest if 3.60 crores were kept in FD. In stead, the KLAC had to pay lakhs of rupees towards interest to the Bank on the loan. Normally, finances are taken from Banks for short term works with a good profit margin. 

But in this case, a huge loan was raised and that too for a long period. Further, if the loan amount was spent on the work, it would have been completed and payment too would have been realized. But, as said above, the story was different here. 

 Of course, the then MD A.K. Singh is believed to be an honest and pious man. His endorsement of raising the loan can be due to the pressure from S.V.Venkatesh with realizing that he is backed by many powerful officials. 

 CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? 

 The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department which was controlling the department for KLAC had spent more than Rs. 3500 crores towards development works. It executed the works through its Rural Development Engineering Department and interestingly, the RDED had only two Chief Engineers to look after entire works. 

 Compared to this, the KLAC had executed works to the extent of about 300 crores during 2007-08. And to execute these projects, KLAC had three Chief Engineers! Calculating the average, each the RDED Chief Engineers executed the work to the tune of Rs. 1800 crores and KLAC Chief Engineers, which is its subsidiary, executed works to the tune of 100 plus crores only. 

RDPR - Two CEs for 3500 crore works 

KLAC - Three CEs for 350 crore works 

 Well, there are many more scams and manipulations of the great General Manager. The best way to conclude is to stay that in spite of all such misdeeds, S.V.Venkatesh even today is the General Manager of KLAC which is now known as KRIDL.