Mahesh H.S, a sculptor at Hariharapura in Koppa taluk, known for carving idols for many temples, has not had a place to work for almost 15 days now, thanks to the taluk administration.
Following an order issued by the Koppa Tahsildar, the common work shed he received under a scheme of the State government, was closed on June 22. The sculptor, whose artworks have adorned temples in places across India and abroad, has been moving from pillar to post to get back his 1,430 sq.ft. shed. He has carved idols for temples in Germany, France, Austria and other places.
The shop, meant for artists, was set up by the Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd. in 1991. The Revenue Department allotted the space for the shop in the Gram Thana land available.
January 2008
Mahesh got this shed allotted to him from KSSIDC in January 2008 on rent. For the last 10 years, he has been working here. “Without prior intimation, the officers entered the shed on June 22 and took it over, pasting a notice on the doors. The officers had no time to check for the records of allotment,” Mr. Mahesh told The Hindu.
Since then, he has appealed to Deputy Commissioner M.K. Srirangaiah and KSSIDC officers. “I have documents to show that the allotment of the shop through KSSIDC was legal. But, the sudden development has affected my career,” he said.
Tanuja T.S. told The Hindu that the land where the shed was located was part of 33 guntas of Mujaffar Bungalow as per the old land records. “It is revenue land earmarked for Nada Kacheri and office of the Revenue Inspector. When KSSIDC wanted the land for a shed to facilitate artists, the land was granted in the revenue land, presuming it Gram Thana land. But, now it has come to our notice that it is a revenue land reserved for government offices,” she said.
The tahsildar said the confusion over the status of the land had created a problem. “The matter would be settled after consulting senior officers,” she added.
