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Upalokayukta B. Veerappa has called upon government officials to discharge their duties with fairness, honesty, and a sense of compassion towards the public, while ensuring that governance remains efficient and transparent. “Officials must not only perform their duties diligently but also adopt a humane approach while dealing with citizens. Government service should be selfless, impartial and rooted in integrity,” Mr. Veerappa said, addressing officials after reviewing pending Lokayukta cases at a meeting held in the auditorium of the District Administrative Complex in Koppal on Friday. As part of a three-day Lokayukta camp in Koppal district, officials from the institution visited 43 departments and conducted inspections. During the exercise, 98 school buses without proper documentation or found unfit for operation were seized, and fines amounting to ₹1.63 lakh were collected. “These actions need not wait for my visits. If officials take initiative and work proactively, the system will function smoothly, and administration will remain disciplined,” he said. He also said that a total of 384 complaints were received from the public during the three-day camp, out of which 62 were resolved on the spot. Of the 120 pending cases under the Lokayukta’s jurisdiction, 46 were disposed of, taking the total number of resolved cases to 108. During inspections of student hostels, arrangements were made to provide hot water facilities for residents. “We have also registered 24 suo motu complaints against various departments, including the Departments of Health, Labour, Social Welfare, Horticulture, Excise, Agriculture, Backward Classes Welfare, Mines and Geology, Women and Child Development, Tourism, Public Instruction, and Regional Transport, among others. Hearings on these complaints are expected to continue,” he said. Separate counters were set up for the public to submit grievances and complaints, with arrangements for drinking water and meals for the applicants. Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Varnit Negi, Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi, Additional Registrar (Enquiry) Kasanappa Naik, and senior judicial officers, including District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Mahantesh S. Dargad, were present. Officers from various departments and several members of the public who submitted grievances also attended the event.
