D K Shivakumar defends guarantee implementation committees

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday defended the government’s decision to constitute committees to oversee the implementation of guarantee schemes across the state.

The decision has drawn flak from both BJP and JD(S), who have accused the Congress of wasting taxpayers’ money to reward workers and leaders of the ruling party, appointed to these committees. “Strengthening our cadre is our duty, and we have given power to those who helped us come to power,” said Shivakumar, during a meeting with taluk, district, and state-level members of the committees.

The Deputy CM said members of these committees were representatives of the government and had hence been provided all facilities, besides power that state authorities were entitled to. The remit of these committees was not restricted to the flagship guarantee schemes, said Shivakumar. “The committees must act as government’s voice for all people-friendly initiatives,” he added.

Shivakumar said that the government was also planning to constitute guarantee implementation committees at the level of each ward and panchayat.