Activist sees corruption in Women and Child Welfare Department

Bidar-based social activist Omprakash Rotti has said that the State government has been blind to financial irregularities in the Department of Women and Child Welfare.

He told reporters in Belagavi on Saturday that Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar is protecting some corrupt officers, instead of getting them punished.

Mr. Rotti said that he has filed complaints against two Deputy Directors Tippanna Sirasage and Ravindra Rathnakar for mass misappropriation of funds and diversion of milk powder meant for anganwadis to the black market.

“Following my complaints, senior officers of the department conducted departmental inquiries against the two Deputy Directors and found them guilty. They recommended disciplinary action against them. The incompetence of Mr. Sirasage and Mr. Rathnakar was discussed in the State-level DISHA meeting,” he said.

“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed senior officers to take action against these officials. But Ms. Hebbalkar did not act against them. She is protecting them, in fact. We demand that these officers be removed from service immediately. And, Ms. Hebbalkar should submit her resignation or the Chief Minister should drop her from the Cabinet,” Mr Rotti said.

Mr. Rotti also released some documents relating to the inquiries.

Ms. Hebbalkar said that she will respond to the charge after studying the cases.