Practice of 40 per cent kickbacks continues under Cong govt: Karnataka contractors
Bengaluru, Feb 8: Karnataka State Contractors' Association president D Kempanna on Thursday alleged that the practice of 40 per cent kickbacks on government contracts continues even under the Congress regime. Accusing officials in the state government of rampant corruption, he said, earlier (during the previous BJP regime) public representatives were demanding bribes, now it's their turn.
"Corruption is on in Karnataka by the officials. Till now no MLA, MP or Minister has asked us for money. Earlier MLAs used to ask for a specified amount to give us a contract for work, that is not the situation now. Now the officials come and ask -- give money, if you want work," Kempanna said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "When we ask as to whom the money should be given, they (officials) say -- why do you want it (to know)? If you want the work, give money."
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The Association had under the leadership of Kempanna earlier alleged "harassment" by ministers, elected representatives and others during the previous BJP regime, accusing them of demanding 40 per cent commission for awarding contracts and clearing bills, and had even written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard..
During the 2023 Assembly polls, the Congress had made the Association's charge a major campaign issue to dub the BJP as being "corrupt". This was seen as one of the key factors that led to BJP's debacle in the elections.
Asked to reveal the identity of the officials who were demanding bribes, Kempanna said, "I'm already facing five defamation cases, so I don't want to reveal the names of the officials as of now."
"Such officials are there in all the departments," he said. " (some) officials are very worst, they are corrupt officials, whether it is in BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) or PWD (Public Works Department) or Irrigation department. The arrogance of officials has reached its height, we are fighting against it."
Asked how much commission is being demanded now, Kempanna, who had levelled the 40 per cent kickbacks charge against the previous BJP government, said: "the same 40 per cent commission has continued, because of officials."
"If officials are not controlled, the government in no way will get a good name....officials seem to be controlling things," he added.
"Package system" is being followed to take up projects in all departments, Kempanna said. "This is being done with the intention to keep away local contractors and favour contractors from neighboring states. Due to the package system, local, small-medium contractors of the state are facing problems as they are not getting the work."
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Air India suspends flights to Israel till May 31
Jerusalem (PTI): Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, Air India has suspended its flights to Israel till May 31.
An Air India executive confirmed to PTI that the airline has suspended flights on the New Delhi-Tel Aviv route till May 31.
Most of the leading airlines have suspended their operations on the Tel Aviv route with only Israeli carriers like El Al, IsraAir, Arkia and Air Haifa operating under severe restrictions.
The suspension of flights has caused major worries among more than 40,000 Indians living in Israel who wish to travel to India for personal or professional reasons, or even to escape the escalating tensions in the region.
Indians looking to leave Israel have to go through Jordan or Egypt by entering the two countries through the land crossings.
The Indian mission in Tel Aviv has been assisting those looking to travel through various means.
The embassy has also maintained regular contact with the community during the period, opening a 24x7 emergency line and also launching a massive registration drive.
Ambassador J P Singh and the embassy team on Saturday held virtual discussion with Indian workers and students across Israel to listen to their concerns, assuring them of “constant support during the ongoing crisis, and beyond”, the mission said on its social media handle.
The direct flight service between New Delhi and Tel Aviv was re-launched on January 1 with four weekly flights, utilising the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
However, flights have been disrupted ever since the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran on February 28.
The retaliation by the Islamic Republic extended the war to the entire Gulf region. The conflict has taken a major toll on energy supply chains, especially across the Strait of Hormuz.
