High Court rules Lokayukta can investigate staff of aided private educational institutions
Bengaluru: The High Court has ruled that staff of private educational institutions receiving government aid can be considered part of government personnel for certain purposes, and the Lokayukta can conduct investigations against them.
The order came from a division bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, which quashed the appeal filed by B. Lakshmenarayana, the librarian and clerk of Sri Balanjaneya High School in Byrashetti Halli, Nelamangala Taluk, challenging a Lokayukta-conducted inquiry.
The court noted that in several cases, staff of aided educational institutions are treated as part of government service for specific purposes, as their salaries, allowances, and service conditions are regulated by the government. Therefore, the Lokayukta is authorized to investigate complaints against such staff.
The case traces back to 2013, when a complaint was filed with the Lokayukta alleging that B. Lakshmenarayana and four others purchased land in Vajrahalli and Nelamangala in 2004–05 without the necessary approvals from the school management board. The complainants alleged that Lakshmenarayana had received ₹2.83 crore for his share and failed to disclose property details as required.
The Lokayukta conducted a preliminary inquiry and submitted a report to the government recommending a full-scale investigation under the CC&A rules. The High Court upheld this process, stating that there is no error in allowing the investigation to proceed.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
