Karnataka Official Faces Disciplinary Action Over Controversial Remarks on Home Lakshmi Scheme Audit

Bengaluru, October 3 (Daily Kiran) : Bengaluru’s Accountant General, Jahangir Inamdar, has requested disciplinary action against Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer N. Mahesh Babu. This follows allegations of inappropriate and threatening remarks made by Babu concerning the audit of the Home Lakshmi Scheme. In a letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajnish, Inamdar called for an investigation into comments attributed to Babu, which reportedly insulted and threatened both the Accountant General and the Principal Accountant General.

Inamdar emphasized that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures should be initiated as per the conduct rules and CCA regulations. He also insisted that Babu should publicly apologize unconditionally to the Accountant General and Principal Accountant General.

This incident arises amidst concerns raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding the misuse of approximately ₹225 crore under the Home Lakshmi Scheme, which includes funds linked to deceased and fictitious beneficiaries. Reports suggest that Babu used derogatory language against the Accountant General, even implying physical threats. He referenced the constitutional authority of the CAG, arguing that the issue transcends a mere personal dispute between two officials.

Under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution, the CAG is recognized as a constitutional authority. The auditing of state revenues and expenditures falls under Articles 149 and the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act of 1971. CAG reports are presented to the state legislature as per Article 151(2). Inamdar pointed out that attacking the Accountant General and Principal Accountant General undermines a constitutional institution and the legislature’s right to oversee public expenditure.

Inamdar stated that such comments are unacceptable from any citizen, particularly given that they originate from a serving KAS officer overseeing the audited scheme. He warned that these allegations could impact financial transparency and the integrity of the administration during election periods. He called for an independent investigation into the potentially objectionable remarks.

The primary goal of the Home Lakshmi Scheme audit is to ensure that government funds reach the intended beneficiaries. Inamdar stressed that cooperation with the audit and addressing the facts that emerge from it is essential, rather than using offensive language against those bringing the audit findings to light.

Inamdar urged the Karnataka government to conduct a swift investigation into the comments attributed to Babu and to take appropriate disciplinary action if they are found to be true. He also requested that Babu issue an unconditional apology on the same public platform where the comments were made. It was clarified in the letter that the inputs regarding the Home Lakshmi Scheme were provided through an official D.O. letter at the state government’s request.

The audit is still in the preliminary stages, and the available inputs are based on early observations from a partial audit. Therefore, they should not be interpreted as final conclusions of the audit.