HC Issues Notice to Karnataka Govt on MLA’s Appointment as KKRDB Chief

Quick Summary

• Legal Action: Karnataka High Court issued notice to the State government on a PIL petition challenging recent appointments in the Kalyana Karnataka region development Board (KKRDB).
• Appointments Questioned: the petition challenges the appointment of Jevargi MLA Ajay Dharam Singh as chairperson and junior IAS officer Nalini Atul as secretary, arguing these are contrary to a 2013 notification’s stipulations.
• 2013 Notification Requirements: As per the notification, only the district in-charge Minister can be appointed as chairperson, and a senior officer at least at secretary level should serve as board secretary.
• Allegations of Corruption: The petitioner alleges misappropriation of funds allocated for development under Article 371(J) and demands a CBI investigation into misuse of hundreds of crores by the board.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The dispute surrounding appointments in key positions within KKRDB highlights critical issues related to governance and adherence to policy guidelines. If proven correct, deviation from stipulated norms could undermine trust in public institutions designed for regional development under Article 371(J), which provides special status for Kalyana Karnataka. Additionally, allegations of fund mismanagement demand thorough scrutiny; clear investigations would ensure accountability and restore faith in developmental bodies tasked with improving marginalized areas. The outcome of this legal action could set an important precedent regarding adherence to procedural norms by states.

Read more at The Hindu.