Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) Commissioner Shubha B has ordered a detailed inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the purchase and distribution of laptops to students, following protests and questions over inflated prices and the use of pirated software.
CCB had distributed 203 laptops worth ₹49,000 each to SC/ST students, but Dalit groups alleged that the quality was substandard and the pricing was inflated, citing the Minimum Retail Prices (MRPs) of just ₹35,000. A special officer has been appointed to probe the matter, and 10 laptops were taken back for inspection. Early findings revealed pirated software and additional software costs of ₹10,000 per device.
Corporator Hanumant Kongali accused officials of misleading elected members, saying the funds were meant for student financial aid, not laptop procurement. He flagged procedural lapses, including tenders floated before formal approval. MLA Abhay Patil also sought accountability, and Mayor Mangesh Pawar asked for the probe report to be submitted to the council.
Meanwhile, another heated issue in the BCC council meeting was the alleged support extended by officials to Tilakwadi Club, which is under scrutiny for violating lease terms by running commercial activities. Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Reshma Talikoti stated the lease had been cancelled, but the club secured a court stay against eviction notices. Corporators slammed officials for not filing a caveat earlier, enabling the stay.
In a third controversy, Vega Funmobile Pvt Ltd was accused of evading ₹7.3 crore in property tax. Officials confirmed final seizure action would begin on June 19 after the expiry of a 24-hour notice. MLA Asif Sait proposed a one-time settlement, but officials said current rules no longer allow such a provision.
Good to see our Corporators raising some very relevant issues….wish they had also talked about the problems/difficulties that common citizens face when they have to deal with the BCC. .. for instance, one that was highlighted here: getting e-Aasti, the clout of agents for which honest taxpayers have to pay heavily