Shivamogga: Former minister and Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday alleged financial irregularities exceeding Rs 800 crore under the guise of health check-up drives for construction workers.Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, the BJP leader claimed that funds collected through labour cess over the past three and a half years were systematically misused without conducting genuine medical screenings across the state.According to Jnanendra, the labour welfare department fixed Rs 2,950 per head for testing a worker and their dependents. Work orders totalling over Rs 799 crore were issued across 81 units to eight private agencies, with each unit assigned roughly 33,500 beneficiaries at an allocated budget of Rs 9.8 crore.Official documents report that 27.1 lakh workers and dependents were screened state-wide. However, Jnanendra asserted there are no corresponding procurement records for medical kits, required HIV test kits, doctor appointments, or biomedical waste disposal clearances from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.In Shivamogga district alone, records show Rs 30 crore was spent to test nearly 100,000 individuals across locations. Jnanendra noted that local inquiries revealed residents and beneficiaries were completely unaware of any such health camps taking place. Noting that legislators across multiple constituencies—including his own constituency of Thirthahalli—report no visible health check-up activity over the last three years, Jnanendra called for a comprehensive investigation into the role of officials and executing agencies.“Over Rs 800 crore meant for the health of poor construction workers has been siphoned off on paper. While documents claim 27 lakh people were screened, there is no evidence of medical kits purchased, labs authorised, or real camps conducted. A thorough probe must be launched immediately,” Jnanendra said demanding a probe.
