Bad governance and corruption have become a “matter of routine” in Karnataka with those at the helm taking the tolerance of the people for granted, Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj has said.
“People are tolerant here, but that is no cause for anyone to spoil Karnataka,” he said, speaking on the sidelines of Children’s Day celebrations organised by the Department of Women and Child Development here on Friday.
“People of Karnataka deserve better governance,” he said, adding that the State had seen three Chief Ministers in three-and-a-half years. A Governor, however, “cannot go on dictating terms”, he said.
Bangalore mess
Asked about the garbage mess in Bangalore, Mr. Bhardwaj said: “I have known Bangalore for the last 30 to 40 years and it was never in such a mess as it is today.”
It is up to the government and the civic body to deal with it. “I have spoken to the Minister and I will speak to him again,” he said, adding that those who have been paid to find a solution should do so.
On the delay in the appointment of Lokayukta, he said that a certain standard had been set by N. Santosh Hegde and people expect an equally good person to succeed him.
The Governor said that he would not appoint anyone who does not live up to the standard.
Earlier at the function at Bal Bhavan, two institutions (Hindu Seva Pratisthana, Bangalore, and Spandana Mahila Seva Samshthe, Kustagi) and two individuals (K. Budeppa of Muddebihal and Manjappa B. of Davanagere) were given awards for their work on child welfare.
Five children — Akshay Chavan, Sushil K.M., S.S. Manoj, Deepak Tavane and Nayana Y.C. — were given awards for their various acts of bravery that saved lives of people.
Children who have excelled in arts and sports were also honoured.
