Republic Exclusive: Karnataka's Indira Canteen scheme marred by allegations of commission demands

A startling case of alleged commission demands has come to the forefront, casting a shadow on the Indira Canteen scheme of the Congress government in Karnataka. It is alleged that officials are purportedly seeking commissions for bill payments under the ambitious Indira Canteen program.

At the heart of this controversy are three canteens in Haveri, Hirekerur, and Ranebennur, which collectively have accumulated pending bills exceeding Rs 35 lakh over a one-year period. Despite persistent pleas for the release of these dues, the officials overseeing Haveri and Ranebennur municipal corporations, as well as the Hirekerur panchayat, are reportedly engaging in what is perceived as harassment against the canteen operators.

Vishwanath Reddy Darshanapura, the secretary of Nirmaladevi Mahila Mandal located in Shahapur, Yadgir district, which is responsible for operating three Indira canteens, has made the startling allegation that they have been subjected to relentless pressure to pay commissions in exchange for settling their bills. The contractor has filed a complaint to the DC. 

The Congress' flagship Indira Canteen programme was designed to provide affordable meals to the masses and alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Any allegations of financial impropriety within the system undermine the very core of the programme's objectives. 

Officials rebut allegations of commission

Republic confronted the officials of the District Urban Development Cell of Haveri, Mamata Hosagud, who denied the allegations that the bribe was demanded. “Nobody has asked for money. We should use government money and not misuse it. He (the contractor) has given bills for the higher number of plates and therefore there was a difference between bills and footfall reports. The commissioners have submitted this. Isn't this wrong on the part of the contractor?”

“They should submit bills every month but he's submitted bills in the last 15-20 days… The bribe being demanded by commissioners is false. These are baseless allegations. If he has any proof let him give it,” the DUDC official said.

Adding further, Hosagud said that the matter will be investigated and the things will be sorted out within a week. “I will investigate the matter. I will issue notices to both the commissioners of Haveri and Ranebennur. I will also ask them to appear for questioning that an enquiry will be held. Notice will be served to City municipal commissioners. Within a week this will be sorted.”

It is pertinent to mention that the recently presented state budget has breathed new life into the Indira canteens with a significant allocation of Rs 100 crore. This funding was announced approximately a month after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued directives to reopen these canteens that had previously been closed.