Bengaluru: Hardship allowance approved for Wildlife Department staff
Bengaluru: Ishwar B Khandre, the Forest, Biology, and Environment Minister, announced that a Hardship Allowance has been approved for frontline staff working in wildlife departments. This decision fulfills a long-standing demand from these employees.
Under the new order, Zonal Forest Officers and Sub Zonal Forest Officers will receive Rs 3,500 each, forest guards will be given Rs 2,700, and D grade employees will receive Rs 2,000.
The allowance also extends to staff involved in managing elephant-related issues in regions including Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Mysuru, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara, Bannerghatta National Park, and Bandipur, with a maximum of Rs 2,000 per month allocated based on conditions.
Similar provisions apply to the leopard task force in Narasipura, Mandya, Pandavapur, Nagamangala, and Bengaluru city limits, as well as Rapid Response Force staff and those in poaching camps.
Minister Khandre, during his visit to Nagarhole and Bandipur Sanctuaries, acknowledged the challenging working conditions faced by staff and outsourced employees, including risks from wild animals and adverse weather. This led to the decision to provide the special allowance.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
