Not lobbying for minister post, says Motamma

MLC Motamma has clarified that there was no question of her lobbying for minister’s post when she didn’t have any interest towards it.

Addressing mediapersons in Chikkamagaluru on Sunday, she said that it was true that she was denied minister’s post earlier. “Though I was highly disappointed at the beginning, today I don’t have any interest in having a minister's portfolio. At present, my time and energy are devoted for good work alone and I will carryout my duties with honesty and best of my abilities irrespective of the post assigned,” the former minister said.

On Government’s decision to hike the salaries of legislators, she welcomed the move of the government and said that the elected representatives had a packed schedule and very rarely, they could give attention to their food. Also, donations are expected from MLAs towards various events. Hence, salary is must for MLAs to lead a respectful life. It will be inappropriate to question the decision to hike the salary  of MLAs, Motamma said.

She meanwhile welcomed the budget presented by the chief minister. But the schemes should reach the people effectively. Eight per cent of the funds reserved during the last budget, still remain underutilised. The inefficiency of the administrative machinery being the main reason. In only a limited number of schemes, the pending grants will be carried forwarded for the next year. In most of the schemes, the underutilised grants will be withdrawn. The officials should ensure proper and complete utilisation of funds.

She felt that senior officials should motivate their subordinates and the staff to draw good work from them.