JDS launches attack on state government over unpaid salaries of ambulance drivers
Bengaluru: The Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) has attacked the state Congress government for its failure to pay the salaries of 108 ambulance drivers, despite their crucial role in emergency healthcare services. The criticism comes amidst growing discontent over the government's inability to fulfil its financial obligations.
In a scathing statement, the JDS accused the government of prioritising popularity over the welfare of its citizens. Highlighting the plight of the ambulance drivers, who have not received their salaries for three months, the party condemned the administration's lack of accountability.
"The state Congress government is more addicted to popularity than people," remarked the JDS spokesperson. "Irresponsibility is more evident than drought management. It's a disgrace that these drivers, who risk their lives to save others, have been neglected in this manner."
The issue gained further traction after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a bold declaration during a speech in Bagalkot, promising to resign if any state government employee reported unpaid wages. JDS immediately seized upon this statement, calling for the CM's resignation in light of the unpaid salaries of the ambulance drivers.
"If even a single government employee of the state comes to me and says that his salary has not been paid, I will retire from politics," CM Siddaramaiah had declared.
Responding to the CM's challenge, the JDS demanded immediate action to rectify the situation and ensure that the ambulance drivers receive their overdue wages without further delay.
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Students for Streeties urge Karnataka to scale up ABC, ARV programmes
Bengaluru (PTI): Students for Streeties, a student-led organisation, on Saturday urged the Karnataka government to scale up scientific dog population management through ABC and ARV programmes across the state, instead of investing heavily in dog shelters.
The appeal was made at a press conference here attended by representatives of animal welfare organisations and student groups, including All Paws Community, Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE) and Citizens for Animal Birth Control (ABC).
Actor Pooja Gandhi, through a video message, felicitated the Students for Streeties campaign and appealed to the Government of Karnataka to strictly implement the ABC programme.
Speakers said Bengaluru has remained free of human rabies due to strong systems such as a rabies helpline, ring vaccination and sustained ABC efforts. They stressed that community caregiving, coupled with robust ABC and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes, is the most effective and humane way to address dog bites and rabies.
The panel referred to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent post on X reiterating the need to follow the ABC Rules, 2023, and avoid impounding dogs.
They appealed to the state government to file an affidavit in the court, committing to statewide ABC implementation and developing a model on the lines of Bengaluru’s programme.
They also said they would seek meetings with the chief minister and chief secretary, urging the government not to spend crores on shelters and instead tackle the issue at nearly one-tenth of the cost through proven ABC and ARV measures.
