Mangaluru: Activist exposes misuse of NMPA official car during anti-corruption week

Mangaluru: Activist exposes misuse of NMPA official car during anti-corruption week

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 16, 2023: In a curious case, city-based rationalist and social activist Prof. Narendra Nayak has exposed an alleged misuse of an official car by a New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) executive during the anti-corruption week observed from by the port from October 30th to November 5th. In a media release issued by him, Prof. Nayak has expressed his disappointment that NMPA has allowed misuse of official resources by the staff and seems to be taking no action despite his complaints.

It so happened that on November 4, while visiting the Mangala Swimming Pool for his evening swim, Prof Nayak observed a car parked in the pool premises with a sticker indicating it was on government duty on behalf of NMPA. Cars marked this way are usually private taxis engaged by the government bodies to meet shortfall of their own vehicles.

Irked by the sight, Prof Nayak made enquiries with the driver and was told that he had ferried a certain NMPTA executive and that he was at that very moment having a swim in the pool. The driver however asked Prof. Nayak to make any further enquiries with the concerned executive himself  and also pleaded with him to delete the photos he had just taken.

On returning home, Prof. Nayak promptly sent an email to the Chairman of NMPA as well as the Chief Vigilance Officer asking whether official cars can be used for personal trips. He received a reply the next day from the Chief Vigilance Officer thanking him for his concern and assuring that the matter would be look into. Subsequently nothing has been heard of the matter since then, despite several reminders.

Hence Prof. Narendra Nayak took the matter to the media to vent his grievance. It is hoped that at least now the port authorities as well as other government bodies will take note of the matter and prevent misuse of official resources for personal use.