It takes years of study to become an engineer. But in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), a head gangman, work inspectors and health inspectors turn “engineers” effortlessly although they are just Class X pass, thanks to a promotion scam in the BBMP.
At a press conference on Tuesday, BJP leader and former corporator N R Ramesh exposed the scam. Here’s a lowdown: A 10th pass head gangman Narasimhaiah rose to become a junior engineer, only to later ‘engineer’ the recent fake bill scam of Rs 9.49 crore at Chamarajpet.
A health inspector G R Nanjudappa, also a 10th pass, became a junior engineer based on a recommendation by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a copy of which Ramesh released to the media. The purported letter to the BBMP Commissioner was written by Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Sindhe Bheemsen Rao H on January 3, 2016. “Attached herewith is the plea by G R Nanjundappa, Health Inspector, Dasarahalli Zone, to Chief Minister. Consider the plea and initiate measures as per the rules,” the letter states.
The request pertained to promote Nanjundappa as work superintendent or junior engineer. It is still not known whether the beneficiary has an engineering degree or diploma. An assistant engineer Hemalatha, working in the Environment Division of the Palike, had sought voluntary retirement, which was accepted.
Three years later, she re-joined BBMP as Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE). A work inspector Praveen was promoted as in-charge junior engineer. A typist was elevated as deputy commissioner.
The saga goes on. When contacted, BBMP Special Commissioner (Administration) Hemaji Naik said promoting a head gangman, work inspector or health inspector as Junior Engineer or Assistant Engineer is against BBMP’s Cadre and Recruitment Rules (C&R Rules).
Naik said, “Such promotions or appointments cannot be done. We do not know how it happened. It might have taken place between 2010 and 2013. We will verify the details and initiate action accordingly.” Ramesh said: “The High Court has given clear directions to the State government that promotions should be given in accordance with the C&R Rules. The directions were based on a petition by aggrieved civil engineers and officers with valid degree and diploma.”