Newskarnataka Mangalore

Mangalore :Nagarika Seva Trust from Gurvayankere has sought release of the documents with regard to the numerous funds released to Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and various Trusts and societies managed by Dr D Veerendra Heggade.

Addressing the press meet, NST President Somnath Nayak has said that the SKDRDP has been billed as a model project worth emulating  by all but in real sense it cannot be called so because it is worse than most of the government projects when it comes to implementation.

A sum of Rs 14.56 crore was sanctioned for the project of which Rs 7.01 crore was centre’s share and Rs 2.34 crore was state’s funding during Venkaiah Naidu’s ministership.

The project aimed to help  1,265 Self Help Groups in three years and thereby improve the financial conditions of 11,175 BPL families. However, since the target could not be met within the given time, the deadline for the project has been extended several times, he said adding that over the last six years 1167 groups have been formed.

He also said that,” Dr Veerendra Heggade has been running these services using government or Nabard funds.  If he wants to call himself to be transparent, then he has to come out in open and reveal the income of the temple and the services that are being provided using that money,” he challenged.

“The SKDRDP has received loan of Rs 2700 crore from Nabard and other banks.The organization has received the loan from these banks at 8 to 8.5 per cent interest and as Dr Heggade himself has agreed, the organization doles out loans to SHG at more than 12 per cent. Is this service,” questioned Mr Nayak adding that even banks and co-operative societies are ready to give loans at 12 to 18 per cent interest.

Mr Nayak demanded Dr Heggade to either pay back the additional interest amount to the SHGs or agree that he is doing banking business and not any service.

Further, Mr Nayak said that all of the allegations made by them have been made with evidences in hand.