Only 20-30% officials are honest: Uday Veer Singh

Uday Veer Singh, 55, a 1985 batch Karnataka cadre Indian Forest Service officer, is now the CEO of medicinal plants authority, Karnataka and is working with MB Shah Commission on the illegal mining in Goa, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Singh came to fame during the illegal mining scam report of the Lokayukta when BS Yeddyurappa was the chief minister of Karnataka and through his acts against the corrupt. In an interview with dna's Naveen Ammembala, Singh said that he would continue his fight against corruption after his retirement.

Excerpts from the interview:
dna: How do you look at the progress or lack of fighting against corruption?
Singh: Basically, corruption has almost become like a dragon and its very difficult to control it. There are many intricacies involved in controlling it, and corrupt people are taking advantage of it. It's definitely affecting the progress of our country, which has a plenty of natural resources. Corruption is a dent on democracy and the progress of the nation. The magnitude of corruption is debatable as there are various perceptions about it. However, corruption is one of the biggest ailments in our system.

Q: How do you see elections and change of governments in terms of fighting corruption?
A: That is not my jurisdiction as I am a government servant. But as a citizen, I have a lot to tell about it. I will speak about it after retirement.

Q: Did you get a promotion after your battle against illegal mining?
A: Yes, I got normal promotions. As far as government is concerned, there was not trouble for me except the investigations into the illegal mining. There were some problems when I was with the Lake Development Authority, but it's different. I do not want to link it with illegal mining though it was definitely corrupt practices. Even there I had some problems as there were attempts to prevent me from going to some places. There were life threat calls as well.

Q: Are you planning any other expose?
A: It can be done when the government assigns me some specific task. I cannot go on myself and bring any scam to light. We should have some power by some authorities like Lokayukta or courts to do so.

Q: Why do you think you were selected by the Supreme Court to investigate illegal mining in Karnataka and Goa?
A: Even I don't know why I was picked up. But there must be some specific criteria behind it.

Q: What do you think is the solution for corruption in elections?
A: I think public should take up this cause. Even constitutional authorities should act with a will power in this regard.

Q: What do suggest to bring changes in bureaucracy?
A: There should be screening of services of government servants at the mid level, say after completion of 15 years. The screening should be done in all respects, efficiency, transparency and contribution to the society, etc. If it meets certain standard, then only they should be allowed to continue. Government can make a law in this regard.

Q: What do you think is the percentage of honest officials?
A: No doubt, there are honest officials but the percentage is very less. I can roughly say only 20-30 per cent of the officials are honest. However, I have found that there is fear among officers because of Lokayukta.

Q: Why honest officials are not given key postings?
A: It's the prerogative of the government and I can't say anything about it. I am happy wherever I am posted.

Q: What are you working on currently?
A: I spend 30-40 per cent of my time in the SC committee to investigate illegal mining in Goa and Karnataka. Rest of my time is spent on works related to Karnataka medicinal plants authority. Here, we are trying to bring in a system in which people should get more knowledge of medicinal plants.

What He did:
Investigation and submission of report on illegal Granite quarries in Kanakapura, Ramanagara and Nelamangala Taluks to State Government.

In Karnataka Lokayukta Investigation and Submission of Reports 1 & 2 on illegal mining in Karnataka State.

Justice M.B. Shah Commission on illegal mining in India. At Present working with Shah Commission on the illegal mining in Goa, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra States.

Submitted report for State of Goa and State of Orissa. Based on the report all mines in the State of Goa are closed by Supreme Court on PIL since September 2012 and continued as closed.

In Central Empowered Committee constituted by Supreme Court :1. Member of Joint Committee for survey of mines in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur Districts.