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Karnataka Government Dismisses KSPCB Chairperson Over Misconduct

KSPCB Chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah was dismissed by the Karnataka government for misuse of power and rule violations in awarding contracts worth Rs 17 crore.

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Karnataka Government Dismisses KSPCB Chairperson Over Misconduct
(Photo:deccanherald)

The state government on Friday dismissed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah from his position for abuse of powers and violation of rules in three different instances, including sidestepping transparency laws while awarding works worth Rs 17 crore.

Last year, the government had issued a notice to Thimmaiah stating that he violated the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act as well as the rules for selecting a single source agency in awarding advertisement works worth Rs 17 crore. This was done without the technical endorsement from the member secretary and the necessary administrative approvals.

Thimmaiah had replied that the decision was brought to the notice of the Board, which had given post-facto approval. He argued that giving notice to the chairman was inappropriate since the board had endorsed his action, making it a collective decision.

However, the government noted that work worth Rs 3.4 crore was given to Sai Advertisers though the agency did not submit the cost sheet. Similarly, the government said the chairman illegally awarded work to Signpost India Pvt Ltd without inviting bids.

In the case of Rs 7 crore work given to Adonmo Pvt Ltd, the government said Thimmaiah “abused power” and picked the company “illegally” by violating the rules to set up a selection committee. As per the rules issued in 1976, the chairman has powers to decide on tender worth up to Rs 25,000. “However, by awarding works worth over Rs 7 crore, it is very clear that Shanth A Thimmaiah has abused his powers,” the order said.

In the second instance, the government had served notice to Thimmaiah for appointing Suri Payala, the IT Manager at KSPCB, as the member secretary (additional charge). As per the rule, the post can be held by a senior All India Service officer with a master’s degree in science or an equivalent degree in allied sciences with prior experience in matters connected to KSPCB.

Thimmaiah was appointed for three years in November 2021 in violation of the law. As per rule, his tenure would have been limited to less than six months. The Congress government sought to correct the mistake by removing him in August 2023. However, the Karnataka High Court granted a stay and allowed him to continue.

“As per The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act Section 4(2)(f) and as per high court orders, appointing chairman, member secretary, and members is a power vested with the government,” the order said, adding that Thimmaiah exceeded his brief.

The third instance related to the alleged scam in the clearances given to Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd, a plastic recycling company. An audit by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that the firm was not operational but had issued extended producer responsibility (EPR) certificates for recycling 3.48 lakh tonnes. The KSPCB had issued consent to operate the factory within seven days after issuing consent to set up the plant.

To a notice issued by the government for not suspending the officials responsible for the scam, Thimmaiah had stated that prior permission from the government was necessary for such actions. However, Thimmaiah had unilaterally suspended three environment officers. “This shows contradictory positions and biased action,” the order said, adding that his argument was “baseless”.

The dismissal order was accompanied by another order in which the government gave additional charge of Chairman’s position to B P Ravi, principal secretary (Ecology and Environment).

Thimmaiah’s tenure as KSPCB chairperson has been marred by controversies and allegations of rule violations. His decisions to award contracts without proper procedure and his appointments within the board have raised serious questions about governance and transparency. The government’s decisive action to remove him reflects its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within its institutions.

The awarding of significant contracts without the required endorsements and approvals is a grave violation that undermines public trust in governmental processes. The appointment of an IT manager to a senior administrative position bypassing established norms also showcases a disregard for due process.

The scandal involving Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd further compounds the issues, highlighting the lapses in regulatory oversight and potential corruption within the KSPCB under Thimmaiah’s leadership. The swift issuance of consents to the non-operational company points to severe procedural failures that demand stringent corrective measures.

Thimmaiah’s removal is a crucial step towards restoring the integrity of the KSPCB. It sends a clear message that misuse of power and violations of rules will not be tolerated. The appointment of B P Ravi as the interim chairperson aims to bring stability and ensure that the board’s operations are aligned with legal and procedural standards.

The government must continue to scrutinize and rectify any further irregularities to rebuild confidence in the KSPCB. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established regulations in maintaining the credibility of public institutions.

Karnataka

Karnataka Bandh Sparks Tension: A Human Story of Language, Protest, and Global Echoes

Today, March 22, 2025, Karnataka woke up to a wave of emotion and unrest as pro-Kannada groups called for a 12-hour statewide bandh. This wasn’t just another protest—it was a cry from the heart, sparked by an alleged assault on a bus conductor in Belagavi last month. The conductor’s crime? Not speaking Marathi. For many […]

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Karnataka Bandh Sparks Tension: A Human Story of Language, Protest, and Global Echoes

Today, March 22, 2025, Karnataka woke up to a wave of emotion and unrest as pro-Kannada groups called for a 12-hour statewide bandh. This wasn’t just another protest—it was a cry from the heart, sparked by an alleged assault on a bus conductor in Belagavi last month. The conductor’s crime? Not speaking Marathi. For many Kannadigas, this incident struck a deep chord, igniting a fierce defense of their language and identity.

How Karnataka Bandh Effect the Bengaluru City

The streets of Bengaluru and beyond buzzed with tension as security tightened across the state. Protesters, led by voices like Vatal Nagaraj of Kannada Okkuta, rallied for justice, expecting widespread support. Yet, not everyone joined the cause—big names like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike stayed on the sidelines, leaving some to wonder how united this movement truly was. For the average person—whether a shopkeeper closing up early or a commuter bracing for delays—it was a day of disruption, frustration, and quiet reflection on what it means to belong.

Meanwhile, the world kept spinning with its own dramas. In the U.S., Elon Musk stepped into the Pentagon, greeted as a “patriot” by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Their meeting hinted at big plans, though the details stayed under wraps—classic Musk mystery. Across the globe, Donald Trump’s latest AI-generated vision of Gaza, complete with skyscrapers and a golden statue of himself, raised eyebrows and stirred debate. Was it a bold dream or a wild fantasy? Closer to home, PM Narendra Modi’s name floated in the air—not tied to the bandh, but as a steady presence in India’s ever-shifting political landscape.

And then there were the wars—Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia—distant but heavy, their echoes felt even in Karnataka’s quiet corners. At Heathrow Airport, travelers shuffled through another day, blissfully unaware of the ripples connecting their journey to these global threads.

Back in Karnataka, the bandh wasn’t just about a single incident. It was about pride, about language as a lifeline, and about people standing up for what they call home. As the day unfolded, it left behind stories—of anger, resilience, and the messy, beautiful humanity that ties us all together.

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Karnataka

Karnataka Assembly Approves 4% Muslim Quota in Contracts Amid Heated Protests

2Bengaluru

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Karnataka Assembly Approves 4% Muslim Quota in Contracts Amid Heated Protests
This photo is for representational purposes only

Bengaluru In a bustling session at the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, a significant decision unfolded on Friday that stirred both support and uproar. The assembly passed a bill granting a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in state government projects, a move aimed at leveling the playing field for this community. This wasn’t just another day at the office—emotions ran high as eighteen BJP MLAs found themselves suspended for six months after passionately protesting the decision, accusing it of crossing ethical lines and disrespecting the Speaker, U T Khader.

The drama peaked on the final day of the budget session, with opposition BJP members voicing their frustration over what they saw as an unfair allocation. They didn’t hold back—storming the well of the House, tearing up copies of the bill, and tossing them toward the Speaker’s chair. It was a chaotic scene, one that underscored the deep divide over this policy. The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2025, as it’s officially called, doesn’t just stop at reservations—it also bumps up the contract size limit from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore, a change that’s set to reshape how public contracts are awarded across the state.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stood firm, explaining that this quota is about giving Muslim contractors a fair shot at opportunities they’ve long been sidelined from. Meanwhile, the BJP fired back, labeling it as “contract jihad” and vowing to take the fight to court. They argue it’s a step too far, infringing on the rights of other groups like OBCs, SCs, and STs who already benefit from existing quotas—24.1% for SC/ST contractors alone.

The bill’s passage wasn’t without its share of fireworks. Beyond the protests, it’s part of a broader push by the Congress-led government to address unemployment and boost participation in public works. For the people of Karnataka, this decision hits close to home—whether it’s seen as a stride toward equality or a spark for further tension, it’s a story that’s got everyone talking.

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Karnataka

Karnataka Assembly Chaos 2025: BJP MLAs Protest Muslim Quota Bill Amid Honey Trap Scandal

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly turned into a battleground on Friday, March 21, 2025, when a routine finance bill vote spiraled into pandemonium. BJP lawmakers, convinced they were facing a controversial bill granting a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts, erupted in protest. In a fiery scene, they ripped up what they thought were copies […]

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Karnataka Assembly Chaos 2025: BJP MLAs Protest Muslim Quota Bill Amid Honey Trap Scandal
Image for just representational purposes only

Things got wild in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on March 21, 2025, when a simple finance bill turned into a full-blown mess. BJP lawmakers were dead sure it was actually a sneaky move to push through a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts—a proposal they’ve been fuming about. So, in a fit of frustration, they grabbed what they thought were copies of this quota bill, ripped them to shreds, and flung them right at the Assembly Speaker. You can imagine the room buzzing with tension after that!

But the chaos didn’t end there. Just when you’d think it couldn’t get crazier, whispers of a honey trap scandal started swirling around, making the whole scene feel like something out of a political drama. BJP MLA Bharath Shetty jumped in to explain their side to India Today, saying, “We were sure the Chief Minister was ramming through that Muslim quota thing. The Congress MLAs didn’t take it lying down either—they started tearing up papers and tossing books at us. Total madness, but we didn’t hurt anyone.” It was like a shouting match with props!

Now, here’s the kicker: the Speaker’s Office later clarified it was just a finance bill all along—the Muslim reservation idea is still sitting on the table, not passed yet. Under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Congress folks say this kind of reservation would lift up minorities and level the playing field. The BJP, though? They’re calling it “appeasement nonsense” and promising a courtroom showdown over it. Oh, and that honey trap business? It’s only stirring the pot more, with the opposition yelling for answers while the government tries to keep a lid on things.

This Karnataka Assembly Chaos 2025 is a real snapshot of how divided things are down there right now. Between the bill mix-up and the scandal rumors, it’s hard to see any real work getting done. Bengaluru’s political scene is practically on fire, and both sides are digging in their heels. The rest of us? We’re just waiting to see how this rollercoaster plays out—stay tuned for the next twist!

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