Fast Facts
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Major Financial Scope: The investigation focused on over ₹3,500 crore spent on the Bengaluru Smart City Project (SCP) between 2019-2023, while the BJP was in power.
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Identified Irregularities: The 8,900-page report detailed five key lapses, including procedural issues, substandard work, erroneous billing, and tender-related irregularities across 700 selected projects.
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Investigation Methodology: A systematic formula developed by the Statistics and Economics Department facilitated the random selection of projects, ensuring results accurately represented 90% of the SCP works.
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Consequences and Recommendations: Five officials faced non-bailable warrants for non-cooperation; the report suggests accountability measures and includes 10 recommendations to prevent future irregularities.
Irregularities Uncovered in Smart City Project
Bengaluru’s Smart City Project, valued at over ₹3,500 crore, faced scrutiny in a recent report from the Nagamohan Das Commission. This second report, submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, highlights significant irregularities that emerged during the project’s execution from 2019 to 2022. The inquiry involved meticulous random selection and rigorous verification processes to assess over 700 project works.
The report reveals five major lapses. Officials found procedural irregularities and unmade statutory deductions in financial bills. Additionally, investigators flagged instances of substandard work, billing for unexecuted tasks, and various tender issues. These findings raise concerns about transparency and accountability in how public funds were managed.
Steps Forward and Future Recommendations
Despite the alarming findings, the report offers a pathway toward improvement. It includes ten recommendations aimed at preventing future irregularities. These recommendations focus on enhancing oversight and enforcing rigorous standards for project management.
The commission has noted the involvement of several officials who now face scrutiny. In instances of non-cooperation, five officials, including a chief engineer, received non-bailable warrants. However, the commission suggests providing these individuals an opportunity to clarify their actions before any repercussions.
As Bengaluru continues to develop its smart infrastructure, addressing these issues could enhance the efficiency and quality of life for residents. The city aims to leverage technology to improve public services, making it essential that these irregularities do not undermine public trust in future projects.
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