AAP smells scam in depositing ESI and PF share of BBMP civic workers

BENGALURU: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Mukhyamantri Chandru has alleged that there is a scam in the BBMP as regards depositing the ESI and PF share of workers with the authorities, totalling Rs 500 crore.

Released documents titled ‘Brand Bengaluru’, Chandru claimed that there are irregularities in depositing the PF and ESI share of civic workers in all the eight BBMP zones. Only the share of permanent employees has been deposited out of a total of 32,000 civic workers, while the remaining employees’ share has not been deposited for the last five years, he said.

Mukhyamantri Chandru alleged that some contractors, politicians and officials were involved in corruption and that even the 16,000 civic workers who are directly paid by the BBMP, have been deceived.

He blamed some former corporators and MLAs from all zones, including South Zone, RR Nagar, and accused them of being involved in the alleged scam. “More than 15 contractors have cheated the workers without paying the amount. Hence, the AAP demands a Lokayukta probe into this case”, he said.

The AAP members have filed a complaint with documents with the BBMP Chief Commissioner to take necessary action and pressurise the Labour Department.

Mukhyamantri Chandru said, “There is massive corruption in PFI and ESI funds of BBMP civic workers. Many MLAs and contractors are involved in this. We have already released documents and will file complaints with the Lokayukta and Labour Department. We demand the government to ensure that civic workers get justice”.