RTI reveals Rs 7 crore fund misuse in Koppal

Koppal: A recent Right to Information (RTI) request has revealed around Rs 7 crore in alleged fund misuse related to district festivals and celebrations last year. Social activist Ravi Agoli filed the RTI, which highlights suspicious spending during the Kanakagiri and Anegondi festivals, as well as the silver jubilee of the district's formation. During the Kanakagiri festival, 2.56 tonnes of brinjal were recorded, costing Rs 1.92 lakh. Ginger, typically used in small amounts, saw an expenditure of Rs 36,250 for 145 kg. Agoli claims these inflated costs raise questions about financial management. He noted the district in-charge minister Shivaraj Tangadagi oversees the Kannada and Culture Department, where the issues seem to be concentrated. For the fiscal year 2023-24, sizeable budgets were allocated: Rs 8.23 crore for the Kanakagiri Utsav, Rs 4.82 crore for the Anegondi Utsav, and Rs 1 crore for the Silver Jubilee celebrations. Agoli suggests nearly half of these funds may have been misused. Minister Tangadagi dismissed the allegations as typical of large events, stating that funds are only released after careful checks. He mentioned some confusion since the events occurred simultaneously. However, Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy contested this explanation, arguing that funding for Anegondi was insufficient and highlighted favoritism in funding decisions. The RTI response also flagged irregularities in vendor bills, linking them to an aluminum utensils shop and noting that some bills were handwritten with altered details. Agoli claims the total bill was submitted without proper expense breakdowns and approved by former ADC Savitri Kadi without question. In light of these findings, Agoli has called for investigations by the governor, chief minister, and chief secretary into the finances of these festivals and seeks legal action against those involved in any misconduct.