The Karnataka Lokayukta has intensified scrutiny of elected representatives in the Belagavi City Corporation by directing the civic body to submit details of movable, immovable and financial assets of all 58 corporators before June 30.
Following the directive, activity has increased within the corporation’s council section, with officials beginning the process of collecting asset declarations from corporators.
Sources in the council department said that 50 corporators have already submitted their asset details, while declarations from the remaining eight are still pending. Officials stated that the corporators concerned have been informed about the Lokayukta’s communication, and the corporation will compile and forward the complete information once all declarations are received.
Under existing rules, all elected representatives are required to declare their assets at the start of every financial year. The disclosures include details related to land holdings, houses, commercial properties, bank deposits, investments, vehicles, loans and other financial transactions.
Officials said the corporation has been instructed to ensure complete submission of records before the June 30 deadline. Failure to furnish details or attempts to suppress information could attract action under relevant provisions.
In recent years, allegations regarding disproportionate growth in the assets of public representatives have surfaced frequently. Several complaints related to the financial dealings of corporators have also reportedly been submitted to the Lokayukta by residents.
Against this backdrop, the government has made it mandatory for elected representatives to submit their asset declarations not only to the government but also directly to the Lokayukta department. The submitted information is subject to verification, and any substantial increase in assets may be examined to determine the source of income.