Explorer

Karnataka Assembly speaker denies issuing gold coin gifts to state legislators

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 16 (ANI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker K.B. Koliwada on Monday refuted reports of a proposal of distributing gold coins and silver plates to MLAs and MLCs being passed by him.

According to reports, to mark 50 years of celebrations of the Vidhan Sabha building on October 25, the Karnataka Government had forwarded a Rs. 26.87-crore proposal to the state Finance Minister that sought allocation of funds for various purposes. But what has drawn attention to the proposal is its enlisted 14th point (page 3) which mentions that Rs. 3 crore will be spent on gifts to be distributed to state legislators.

It was also said Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka Government proposed gold biscuits and silver gifts for the state legislators as gift.

Denying the news of any such proposal Koliwada said, "I assure you there is no proposal for distribution of gold coins and silver plates to MLAs. How it has appeared in the news, I do not know."

However, he added, "There is a different proposal of Rs. 26 crore in which 19 items are listed and it has been sent to the finance ministry for approval."

The news of such proposal gaining air holds importance at this point of time as the Karnataka Government has been facing sharp criticism over the alleged tardy progress on improving the condition of roads in rain-hit Benagaluru.

More than ten people have been reportedly dead in the city's worst rain-fed flooding in a century.

Out of the reported deaths, many have been allegedly killed while negotiating potholes and other rain-related incidents.

All the accidents have happened on arterial roads, including a state highway.

Defending the Karnataka government over spending such big amount now, the Speaker said, "The proposal has not only been decided by the Speaker, but Chairman of the Council and all secretariate people and some important MLAs. And it is just a proposal to the finance department and not a final decision."

Former Karnataka Minister Nagraj Shetty has also criticised the government over distribution of expensive gifts to legislators and said, "Today the entire state is suffering from various problems, so the first priority of the government is to take care of the public of the state. That is why it was elected."

The proposal by the state government allegedly includes following points:

-Rs. 75 lakh for the flower decoration of the state assembly

-Rs. 35 lakh for coffee and tea for the legislatures

-Rs. 375 lakh for food.

-Budget for making of three documentaries on the Vidhan Sabha

-Rs. 3 crore for special documentary on the chief ministers' achievements. (ANI)


This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headline

Kejriwal To Stay Delhi CM From Jail As High Court Finds 'No Legal Bar,' Ball In LG's Court Now
Kejriwal To Stay Delhi CM From Jail As High Court Finds 'No Legal Bar,' Ball In LG's Court Now
PM Modi Calls Congress A 'Bully' After Lawyers Write To CJI. Here's What He Said
PM Modi Calls Congress A 'Bully' After Lawyers Write To CJI. Here's What He Said
Roof Collapses During Renovation Work At Chennai Bar, 3 Dead
Roof Collapses During Renovation Work At Chennai Bar, 3 Dead
Arvind Kejriwal To Stay In ED Custody For 3 More Days — A Timeline Of Delhi CM's Battle In Courts
Arvind Kejriwal To Stay In ED Custody For 3 More Days — A Timeline Of Delhi CM's Battle In Courts
Advertisement
for smartphones
and tablets

Videos

Elvish Yadav's reaction on Munawar Faruqui's arrest, Watch Video | HOT NewsNawazuddin Siddiqui And Aliya Fixes Relationship Disbalance For Kids Upbringing | Khabar Filmy HaiRamayana: Sakshi Tanwar dismisses speculations of being a part of the movie, Watch videoWill there be a date clash between Bigg Boss 18 and Lock Up Season 2? | HOT News
Embed widget