Understanding the Karnataka MUDA scam

The Mahishuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is investigating possible wrongdoing in the allocation of land as compensation for the occupation of private property. The matter became serious when Parvati, wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, allegedly acquired 14 residential plots in posh areas. This raises questions about whether the process was fair and legal.

Background of MUDA

MUDA, originally named City Improvement Trust Board (CITB) when it was founded in 1904, was responsible for urban planning and development in Mahishuru. One of its roles is to acquire land for residential layouts. However, MUDA is facing legal difficulties as land acquisition remains incomplete.

Compensation challenge

Financial problems and ongoing litigation have made it difficult for MUDA to pay proper compensation to those who lost their land. In 2020, the High Court ordered MUDA to return the illegally acquired land, forcing MUDA to look for other ways to compensate landowners.

50:50 Ratio Scheme

To solve financial problems, MUDA launched the 50:50 Ratio Scheme in 2020. Under the scheme, 50% of the improved land is given to the original landowners and the remaining half is given to MUDA to retain. This helps to partially compensate the mudai land.

Allegations of harassment

The scheme was aimed at making land allocation more equitable, but there have been allegations of unauthorized allocations and involvement of middlemen. Critics claim that some people unduly benefited from the scheme without proper scrutiny.

Involvement of Siddaramaiah and Parvati

Parvati Siddaramaiah, wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, received 14 residential plots as compensation for land acquired for development. Investigations into his political connections have begun, with opposition parties questioning the fairness and legality of the allotment relative to other land values ​​in the area.

Opposition reaction

The BJP and the JD(S) have demanded a central probe, accusing the ruling Congress party of corruption and mismanagement. They have been organising protests to raise awareness on the issue. Realising the need for a probe, the state government has announced a one-member judicial commission to investigate the alleged irregularities. But opposition leaders are sceptical and claim it is a way to protect the incumbent government.

Source

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