Laptop Scam: BCC appoints special investigation officer;
Belagavi: Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) commissioner Shubha B on Tuesday clarified that she has ordered a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities in the purchase and distribution of laptops to SC/ST students.
The inquiry follows allegations of inflated pricing and the installation of pirated software on the distributed devices.
A month ago, BCC distributed 203 laptops to meritorious SC/ST students using unutilised funds earmarked for the purpose from the past three years, supplemented by grants from the State Finance Commission (SFC). However, Dalit organisations recently staged protests in the city, accusing the corporation of supplying substandard laptops at inflated prices.
During the council meeting held on Tuesday, several corporators, including Advocate Hanumant Kongali, Ravi Dhotre, Ramesh Sontakki, and Dinesh Nashipudi, raised concerns about the procurement process. Responding to the allegations, commissioner Shubha B informed the council that a special officer has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive investigation. She added that the laptops distributed to the 10 students were taken back for examination following reports of pirated software being installed.
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Corporators questioned the corporation's payment of Rs 49,000 per laptop, despite the maximum retail price (MRP) on the boxes being Rs 35,000. The investigating officer stated that the local HP distributor was asked to furnish a detailed cost breakdown based on the required specifications. The contractor, according to initial findings, installed Windows and other software for an additional Rs 10,000 — a matter also under scrutiny.
Corporators allege misguidance by officials
Corporator Hanumant Kongali strongly criticised BCC officials, accusing them of misleading elected representatives and misusing the intended fund. "The amount was meant to offer direct financial assistance to students, not for procuring laptops. Yet, the officials convinced corporators to approve the purchase. This is a serious violation and must be thoroughly investigated," he said.
Kongali further highlighted procedural lapses, noting that tenders were floated in Jan, while approval from the Standing Committee on Finance was granted only in March. He called this sequence a 'major blunder' that demands accountability. MLA Abhay Patil also held the officials responsible for misleading the corporators in the case and demanded an inquiry.
Mayor Mangesh Pawar directed commissioner Shubha B to table the investigation report before the council upon completion of the probe.
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