Haveri: A fresh administrative tussle has surfaced in Haveri district after the forest department’s territorial wing questioned a decision taken at a Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting chaired by the district minister.
“ According to the Karnataka Forest Code, 1976, and the Karnataka Forest Manual, 1976, the DCF has full powers to manage and maintain forest areas in the district. Therefore, officials from other departments cannot inspect forest works.” “ The KDP resolutions are supreme; there is no doubt in this regard. Third-party inspection is required in this issue. We will draw the attention of the Haveri district in-charge minister and follow the minister’s directions.
The objection has triggered debate within the district administration, as KDP meetings are key forums for reviewing development works. Chaired by the district minister, they bring together officers from multiple departments to assess progress, examine delays and issue directions. Decisions recorded in such meetings are generally expected to be implemented by the departments concerned. The controversy has raised a larger administrative question: can a departmental officer seek reversal of a decision taken at a minister-led review meeting, or do departmental rules prevail over directions issued in that forum? It has also renewed focus on the supervision of plantation programmes that involve public funds and create visible community assets. The issue follows a recent T imes of India report on alleged misappropriation of govt funds under the RRP. Based on the report, district minister Shivanand Patil ordered an inquiry into the matter.