Lokayukta directs Kalaburagi officials to allot land for ex-servicemen on priority

Stating that those who served the nation should not face undue delays, Lokayukta B.S. Patil on Monday directed the district authorities to clear pending applications of ex-servicemen seeking land and site allotment on a priority basis.

Mr. Patil, who is touring the districts of Kalyana Karnataka region, made a surprise visit to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi and inspected various sections.

He noted that only seven out of 55 proposals submitted by ex-servicemen have been cleared so far in the district and directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner to immediately dispose of all pending cases.

He said that similar delays have been reported in Bidar, Raichur and Yadgir districts and that the Lokayukta will take suo motu cognisance of the issue and conduct an inquiry.

While reviewing lake management, officials told him that survey of 254 lakes across the district has been completed and that six cases of encroachment are under inquiry. Expressing dissatisfaction, Mr. Patil asked whether the remaining lakes are free from encroachment and directed officials to furnish a comprehensive data on the status of all lakes by evening.

The Lokayukta also inspected revenue court cases, land conversion and related sections and directed officials to submit details of applications received, disposed of and pending during 2025.

Referring to complaints regarding the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB), Mr. Patil said that allegations have been received that funds are not being utilised properly and that the quality of works is poor.

He sought a detailed report on recommendations made to the board, administrative sanctions accorded and the status of works from January 2025 onwards.

Taking note of a 25-year-old grievance related to a land acquisition case in Wadi village of Chittapur taluk, where a project displaced person’s name has been wrongly recorded, Mr. Patil expressed displeasure over the prolonged delay and directed officials to resolve the issue within a week.

Meanwhile, Lokayukta teams conducted simultaneous inspections at various offices across the district, including the City Corporation, Sub-Registrar offices and schools and hostels in Jewargi taluk.

At the Kalaburagi City Corporation, Lokayukta officials took senior officers to task when they did not find many staff in the office during working hours. The officials also examined digital payment transaction details of computer operators working in the tender section.

Additional Director-General of Police (Lokayukta) Manish Kharbikar, Superintendent of Police (Lokayukta) Siddaraju, Lokayukta official K. Srinath and others were present.