The Hindu : Karnataka News : Appointment of Upa Lokayukta sought

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 02, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Appointment of Upa Lokayukta sought

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, JULY 1. The Karnataka State Government Employees' Association has claimed that the Lokayukta lacked the legal sanction to conduct surprise visits and raids on government offices.

The president of the association, K. Sippe Gowda, and its general secretary, L. Byrappa, alleged at a press conference today that the officials of the anti-corruption agency accompanying the Lokayukta, N. Venkatachala, had used abusive language against government employees in Davangere and Harihar recently.

Alleging that the Lokayukta had usurped the powers of the Upa Lokayukta, Mr. Gowda urged the Government to immediately appoint a Upa Lokayukta as he alone had those powers.

He expressed concern over the raids being conducted by the Lokayukta.

The association leaders urged the Government to fulfil the assurance given by the previous Government and appoint the fifth pay commission as the pay scales and allowances had not been revised since 1998. The pay scales and allowances of the State Government employees had not been revised upwards for over five years and their emoluments were not on a par with those enjoyed by the Government of India employees. The State Government were facing hardship on account of the rise in prices of essential commodities. They were worried over the attitude of the Government in not fulfilling their legitimate demands.

Mr. Gowda also criticised the Government for bringing the government employees working in rural areas and villages under the zilla panchayats and giving powers to disburse salaries to those bodies. Making it clear that the employees were ready to work in any place, Mr. Gowda said giving administrative powers to the panchayats was objectionable and they should be withdrawn immediately. That would also lead to misuse of power and demoralise the employees.

While thanking the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, for the release of two per cent dearness allowance arrears pending since January 1, he said a meeting of the State council of the association would be held on July 18 to decide on a programme of action if the Government failed to issue orders on the demands made by it.

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