LOKAYUKTA TRAPS DOCTOR;

Madikeri December 19, 2007

A government doctor was trapped by Lokayukta yesterday while accepting bribe.

An orthopedic surgeon Dr.Nagaraj, serving at Virajpet government hospital was trapped by district Lokayukta. He was caught accepting rupees two hundred from one Abdulla to treat his leg.

Inspector Gangadarappa and staff conducted the operation and registered a case.

FINANCE COMMISSION TO CONSIDER KODAGU;

The finance commission will consider Kodagu as a special region and try to create road management fund, said member of the third finance commission, T.Thimmegowda.

Addressing scribes at Madikeri yesterday, Thimmegowda said that he has a special corner for the development of the district and recalled that he had sanctioned rupees 10.5 crore for the development of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery, when he was the chairman of Cauvery Authirity.

He said that the Zilla Panchayath has convinced him about the damages being caused due to incessant rainfall each year and hence the commission will think of creating a separate road fund. Though rupees ten crore is earmarked to maintain roads in the twelfth financial scheme, district needs total twenty crores, he observed.

Thimmegowda stated that the commission has sent a proposal to state to strengthen the position of Panchayath secretaries to initiate speedy progress in Panchayath levels.

In order to implement transparency in the Panchayath administration, the post of secretaries would be upgraded, he said. He also said that the commission has received appeals to increase the power of Zilla Panchayaths. The Taluk Panchayaths have become weak and it also needs to be streamlined, he opined.

He also said that the grants should be increased to Zilla panchayaths and it will be recommended. Earlier, he held a district level officers meet. He dealt with the problems of shortage of doctors in government hospitals and veterinary hospitals. Officials brought forth many problems the district is facing.

ZP president Deergakeshi Shivanna, vice president Rajamma Rudraiah, CEO Sundar and others were present.

FALLS CASTE CASE AGAINST SUMA FALLS OFF;

Te district and sessions court here has dismissed a case filed against former minister Suma Vasanth, alleging that she has won elections by producing false caste certificate.

S.P.Mahadevappa of kanur had filed a case against her claiming that she does not belong to reserve category. Suma Vasanth won the election by contesting in reserve constituency with the caste certificate of “Marata”. Maghadevappa was claiming that she belongs to “Marati” caste and records were manipulated. Added to it, she has married a Brahmin. The court verified the facts, listened to the witnesses and dismissed the case as the contender could not substantiate his stand.

Similar cases were booked earlier by others against her and were quashed. A case had also reached Supreme Court and lost by the contenders.