Speaker complains about apathetic government officials to CM Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Kagodu Thimmappa, has hauled up the state government over apathetic officials who have not issued title deeds to all beneficiaries Forest (Rights) Act.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on Friday, Mr Thimmappa said he had written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah two days ago seeking directions to officials concerned to dispose off pending applications for issuance of title deeds.

“I have not received a reply from the CM so far. Recently, I travelled in Chitradurga, Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts and was aghast to see the condition of people facing the threat of eviction by officers of the forest department. When I took up the issue last year, the government came out with an order to issue title deeds before December, 2014.

“Although, four months passed since the deadline, our officials are not bothered to adhere to government rules. What do you call such an attitude of our officials?” he queried.

He said the need of the hour was to involve Village Forest Committees along with village accountants and revenue inspectors to take a call on applications received from people seeking allotment of title deeds.

They should have the maps and solve cases one by one. Unfortunately, the officials were simply delaying the process citing one or the other reasons. “I am trying my level best to get this problem addressed at the earliest but officials are totally non-cooperative,” he added.