In a dramatic move over the past five days, Commissioner B Shubha has transferred more than 40 staff members across various sections of the Belagavi City Corporation, sparking widespread discontent among employees. Many staff members have decried the internal transfers as arbitrary, holding separate meetings and even approaching district minister Satish Jarkiholi to demand the commissioner’s removal.
The unrest intensified when subordinate officials from different Corporation sections held a private meeting on Monday. At that session, they resolved to formally complain about Commissioner Shubha’s decisions to both regional commissioner Sanjeev Shettennavar and district minister Satish Jarkiholi. The dissenters have since launched a signature campaign against the commissioner and submitted a memorandum demanding her transfer. According to the document, the role of the commissioner is reserved for an IAS officer, not a KAS officer like Shubha, and they insist on her immediate replacement with an IAS cadre member.
In response to the growing pressure, Commissioner Shubha convened a meeting with the in-charges of various sections on Wednesday. The session turned contentious when two officers disrupted proceedings, an incident that reportedly shocked Shubha. Nonetheless, the commissioner defended her decision to implement the mass transfers, arguing that the changes were necessary for the smooth functioning of the administration.
Complicating matters further are serious allegations of financial mismanagement within the City Corporation. Accusations have surfaced that crores of rupees in tax money have been misused between 2000 and 2024. The claims include the improper use of public parks in Belagavi, the diversion of millions in tax funds to private individuals through dubious leasing deals, and irregular spending on meetings and events. The situation escalated after Commissioner Shubha sent a letter to the government requesting a Lokayukta investigation into these financial irregularities, a move that has not been well received by some authorities.
City Corporation insiders report that many senior officials are now reluctant to work in key departments such as revenue, public works, planning, and general administration due to persistent accounting issues and irregularities. As frustration mounts, several staff members have indicated that they are seeking transfers to other locations, hoping to escape the ongoing turmoil and mismanagement.
Source: ToI, Sakal