K'taka Assembly Speaker warns govt over fewer number of replies to questions asked by MLAs
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Friday admonished the government, stating that his "gentleness" should not be considered his "weakness", as he took strong exception to the fewer number of replies provided by various departments compared to the number of questions MLAs had submitted.
The Speaker's warning came as the opposition strongly objected and sought his "protection", when Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy laid written replies to only 55 out of 131 total questions in the Assembly.
Over the last couple of days, Khader, though mildly, had repeatedly asked the government to ensure replies to the questions asked by legislators.
"All MLAs want the government's reply to the questions they ask. They want proper replies, whether the questions are starred or unstarred. Once questions put by MLAs are categorised as starred or unstarred, ten days are given for the ministers to reply through officials. Despite ten days, replies are given to only 55 out of 130 questions asked. Replies are not being sent properly," Khader said.
He said, "Explanations for the delay and when a reply can be expected are also not provided by the departments. Only if the MLA follows up does he or she get answers in case of a delay. If not, no reply is sent to legislators. Despite a committee headed by the Deputy Speaker being formed, there has not been a proper solution for this issue."
Stating that this practice would escalate into a major issue if not stopped, the Speaker asked, "Why call a session if the government cannot reply properly to the questions legislators put forward? Why should members ask questions?"
He further said he understands the members' feelings and that it is the government's responsibility to ensure such things don't happen.
Further pointing out that he had been cautioning the government for the last three days about the fewer number of written replies to the unstarred questions, he said, "My gentleness should not be considered as my weakness. I have been quiet expecting the government to act."
Home Minister G Parameshwara, responding on behalf of the government, said he understands the concerns and anger expressed by opposition members and the Chair.
"I will bring this issue to the notice of the chief minister. The CM has already given instructions to ministers. I will request him to instruct all ministers in this regard once again to ensure this doesn't happen in the future," he added.
Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani too assured the House and members that he will call a meeting of all departments to ensure that replies are sent to concerned MLAs before the session ends.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Ashoka, took strong exception to the government's few replies, stating, "Every day you (Speaker) warn them (govt), but it seems to have no impact on the government. Ministers are not listening, they are in a deep slumber. This is the third time you have been warning the government. This should not continue."
He further said that if a list detailing the number of questions asked to each department and how many of those questions received a reply is prepared, "we will be able to find the black sheep' -- which official is lazy or is playing golf instead of working efficiently. Get a report before this session ends and admonish those departments and officials."
"The Speaker has many powers, use them against the government," Ashoka urged the chair.
Senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar, taking a dig at the government, told Home Minister Parameshwara to constitute a cabinet subcommittee to look into why replies are not being given to the questions put by MLAs.
He said, "In some cases, questions that were asked two years ago have not been answered yet."
Asking the Speaker to come to the protection of legislators, another BJP MLA Sunil Kumar asked the Chair to be strict on this issue.
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Himachal: 3 tourists dead, 10 injured as tempo falls into gorge in Kullu
Manali (HP) (PTI): Three tourists died while 10 others suffered serious injuries when their tourist tempo traveller skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on Saturday night, police said.
According to the District Disaster Management Authority, about 20 people were on board, and the vehicle was returning from Jalori Pass.
Preliminary reports suggest that the tourist vehicle skidded off the road due to slippery conditions created by incessant rains while descending toward Bhuntar on the 15 km stretch.
As many as 10 tourists have been rescued, and the condition of one of them is critical. Three tourists died on the spot.
Police, fire service personnel, and local administration are jointly conducting rescue operations.
The tourists were staying in a hotel in Jhibi, about 10 km away from Banjar town, where the accident occurred.
The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, officials said.
Further details are awaited.
