While legislators are considered influential and known for getting their work done immediately, their personal assistants don’t seem to be as fortunate enough. They have not been paid their salaries since last eight months.
BJP member B.J. Puttaswamy raised the issue through notice under Rule 330 and said personal assistants appointed on contract basis with the approval of the government had not been paid their salaries since last eight months.
He pointed out that the reason for non disbursement of salaries was that budgetary allocations had not been made and Deputy Commissioners were helpless as there was no fund to pay the salaries. Mr. Puttaswamy said a total ₹66 lakhs had to be paid towards the PAs of the legislators and it was really strange that elected representatives were not in a position to help their PAs.
Mr. Puttaswamy said that the legislators were not in a position to face their personal assistants and the officials who received their salaries regularly were least bothered about the plight of the PAs working on contract basis with a salary of ₹14,500.
He also said they had reached a position where they were on the verge of becoming laughing stock in the eyes of the public for failing to give salaries for their PAs. While Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa replied to the query and assured necessary action, wrong information on the salary dues made Mr. Puttaswamy to raise objection.
Few other members including JD(S) member Basavaraj Horatti intervened to seek early relief. The discussion however ended with Mr. Thimmappa assuring the house that he would take steps immediately get the salary dues released and ensure regular monthly payment.
Responding to the plea for increased emoluments and perks Mr. Thimmappa said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would take a decision on it.
