KEONICS Vendors Appeal to President Murmu for Euthanasia Due to Unpaid Bills

The Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) vendors have expressed distress over unpaid bills. They claim this issue is causing severe hardship. However, Priyank Kharge, the state's Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister, has dismissed these allegations. In a plea to President Droupadi Murmu, the vendors even sought permission for euthanasia, citing unbearable harassment due to unpaid dues.

In their letter to President Murmu, the KEONICS Empanelled Vendors Welfare Association stated, "We are tired of being harassed due to the non-payment of our due bills which is affecting more than 6,000 families working with KEONICS. We are seeking your permission for euthanasia. We all want to die at once." This highlights the desperation among the vendors.

Allegations of Corruption and Harassment

The association claims that over 450 small entrepreneurs are registered with KEONICS. They provide electronic services and act as intermediaries between vendors and state departments for human resources and purchases. The association alleges that since 2023, following a change in government, their bills have been withheld and they face harassment.

Additionally, the vendors accuse officials of demanding a 12% bribe. They assert that refusal to pay this bribe has led to further harassment. The BJP has criticised Kharge, accusing him of corruption and forcing vendors to appeal for euthanasia.

Minister's Response and Audit Findings

Kharge refuted these claims and criticised the BJP for targeting him over alleged departmental corruption. He questioned whether the BJP expected payments to vendors involved in irregularities during their governance. Kharge highlighted an Accountant General's audit that identified over Rs 300 crore in misappropriations under the previous administration.

Kharge detailed audit findings, including payments made without third-party inspections and forged inspection reports for materials. He mentioned fake bills and claims for uninstalled software, along with fraudulent claims by vendors for unsupplied CCTVs. "And this is just the tip of the iceberg," he remarked on social media platform X.

Future Actions and Investigations

Kharge assured that payments would be processed for vendors not involved in malpractice based on a fact-finding committee's recommendations. He urged critics to direct questions to former IT Minister and Chief Minister from their party instead of him.

The ongoing investigation into past mismanagement aims to address these issues comprehensively. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange accusations while seeking resolution.