Oppostion urges Governor to scrap guarantee scheme committees

Bengaluru

Opposition BJP and JD(S) leaders have petitioned Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to annul state, district, and taluk-level committees formed to monitor the government’s guarantee schemes. They alleged these panels are "unconstitutional" and only filled with Congress workers.

Calling the panels a political move, they said, “Annul these politically motivated committees to prevent further misuse of public funds.” The opposition also urged that funds given to these committees should be used for essential public services and that elected representatives should lead local government programs.

Led by R Ashoka, B Y Vijayendra, and C B Suresh Babu, the opposition staged a protest and submitted a memorandum to the Governor.

They criticized the government for giving cabinet-level facilities to committee heads and large monthly honorariums—Rs 40,000 for district presidents and Rs 25,000 for taluk-level heads. The estimated cost of these committees is around Rs 30 crore annually.

“These committees duplicate the work of existing officers and only benefit Congress members,” they said.

They also pointed out that while committee members are highly paid, essential workers like ASHA workers and mid-day meal staff are underpaid and protesting for fair wages.

Vijayendra said, “We will move a privilege motion as legislators’ powers are being curtailed through these committees.”