Govt asked to probe alleged ill-treatment of Bantwala BJP MLA at government function
Belagavi, Dec 12: Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar Wednesday directed the government to look into the alleged ill-treatment meted out to an MLA at a government function at BC road in bantwala taluk recently.
He said respect and prestige of the House was of utmost importance, and MLAs were its integral part.
Speaker warned against repeat of such incidents in future.
The speaker made these remarks in the State Assembly as Bantwal BJP MLA Rajesh Naik narrated an incident where he was allegedly ill-treated during the inauguration of the 'Indira Canteen' (subsidised canteens run by the government) in his constituency, over which he had presided.
He alleged that slogans were raised against him by a group of people and he was manhandled in the presence of district in-charge minister. Later when he complained to the police, his case was not taken up, Naik said.
Taking strong exception to this, the speaker said "I may take it up as a privilege (issue) next time. Dont give that opportunity...elected representatives should be given respect."
He also directed deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, who also holds the Home Portfolio, to look into the matter and get the case investigated.
"Once elected a MLA, he or she is part of this House, ask your officials to do their duty, instead of showing their loyalty to those who got them transferred or posted," he told the Home Minister.
District in-charge Minister U T Khader, who was present at the inauguration, expressed regret over the alleged ill-treatment to the MLA.
BJP MLAs took strong exception and raised their voice when he said it was not as grave to file a police complaint.
They said many BJP MLAs have experienced similar ill-treatment in their respective constituencies and alleged that government events these days looked like Congress programmes.
They also accused police of siding with those who create such disturbances.
There was a moment of chaos in the House as BJP and Congress MLAs indulged in a heated exchange, resulting in the speaker threatening to walk out.
Intervening, Leader of Opposition B S Yeddyurappa seeking protection from the Chair, asked the Home Minister to take the issue seriously and investigate the case.
Home Minister Parameshwar said he would look into the matter and issue directions to the police.
"It is the duty of police to work in accordance with the law and protecting it," Parameshwara said.
Subsequently, Naik informed the House that he just got information that a case was registered about the incident.
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
