Discussion over transfer policy ends up in tiff between MLA, MLC

A discussion over the government’s transfer policy ended up in a verbal tiff between MLC Gayatri Shanthe Gowda and MLA C T Ravi at tri-monthly review meeting, at Chikkmagaluru taluk panchayat hall on Friday.

It all began with Gayatri Shanthe Gowda asking the taluk panchayat executive officer when was the tri-monthly meeting held last time in the taluk.

The officials replied that meting was held a year ago, after which election was declared. MLA D N Jeevaraj who intervened said that it is the responsibility of the officials to fix a date for the meeting after asking the MLA. How is it possible that officers forget their duty, he questioned.

MLA C T Ravi blamed it on the transfer of officials once in three months, for the delay in convening meetings. The MLC who took exception to his statement, shot back saying “Didn’t the deputy commissioners were changed thrice in a year in the district, when the BJP government was in power.”

As the argument grew, the MLC and MLA Ravi asked each other to leave the venue. MLA D N Jeevaraj criticised the education department for not following protocol while organising a programme. Respective MLA of the constituency has to chair any government programme that takes place in his / her constituency. But, the same is not followed in block education office.

MLC alleged that elected representatives were not invited even during the flagging off of Chikkamagaluru-Yeswantpur train. In reply BJP MLA Jeevaraj said that he too was not invited, but he accompanied the MP.

Displeasure
Jeevraj expressed displeasure at the functioning of Taluk Panchayat EO.
He said “TP EO has taken charge one year ago. However, he has never introduced himself to the MLAs. The compliance report was not kept  in order,” he said.

Continuing the attack, MLC Gayatri Shanthe Gowda asked as why he has failed to furnish taluk-wise details.

When the MLA asked when will the drinking water projects in Sringeri constituency will be ready, the MESCOM officials said that it will be completed in a month.
The MLAs also directed the EO to issue notices to those officials who have failed to attend the meeting. Notices should also be issued to those contractors who have not completed the work.

MLA B B Ningaiah said that a delegation should be taken to the minister concerned to complain on the working style of the officials.