Public Outrage as Karnataka Ministers and MLAs Hike Their Own Salaries Amid Economic Crisis
Government Faces Backlash Over Salary Hike
Bengaluru: In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, Karnataka’s ministers and MLAs have unanimously increased their salaries and allowances, disregarding the severe economic struggles faced by students, youth, farmers, and laborers. The decision has drawn sharp criticism for prioritizing personal financial benefits over public welfare, with many calling it a betrayal of democratic principles.
Education Sector in Crisis
While lawmakers enjoy increased salaries, the state’s education sector continues to suffer from neglect. For the past three years, students have not received their scholarships on time. Just last year, the government drastically reduced the scholarship amount for children of laborers. Additionally, more than 59,000 teaching positions remain vacant in thousands of government schools across Karnataka. Many institutions lack basic infrastructure, including proper buildings, toilets, and drinking water facilities, making learning conditions deplorable.
Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government is reportedly planning to shut down several schools, worsening the already dire situation. “It is unacceptable that while students struggle with inadequate educational facilities, lawmakers are focused on increasing their own salaries,” said Ajay Kamathra, Joint Secretary of the All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO).
Universities on the Brink of Closure
The crisis extends to higher education as well. Several state universities are struggling due to severe funding shortages, leading to a lack of faculty and non-teaching staff recruitment for years. The Karnataka government has recently announced plans to close nine universities due to financial constraints, further jeopardizing the future of higher education in the state.
AIDSO Demands Reversal of Salary Hike
Amid this turmoil, AIDSO has strongly condemned the government’s decision to increase lawmakers’ salaries while ignoring critical public needs. “At a time when taxpayer money should be directed towards education, healthcare, and employment, it is being diverted for personal gains. This decision must be reversed immediately, and the funds should be allocated for the welfare of the people,” Kamathra demanded.
The growing public anger reflects the urgent need for government accountability and prioritization of essential services over self-serving financial decisions.
Key Quotes:
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“While the common people struggle with economic hardships, our lawmakers have prioritized their own financial gains. This is a betrayal of public trust.” – Ajay Kamathra, Joint Secretary, AIDSO
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“How can the government justify increasing their salaries when schools are shutting down, scholarships are being cut, and universities are on the verge of closure?”
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“Public funds should be directed towards education, healthcare, and employment—not for politicians’ pay raises.”
Q&A:
Q: Why is the salary hike for Karnataka ministers and MLAs controversial?
A: The salary hike comes at a time when students, laborers, and farmers are struggling with economic difficulties. Meanwhile, thousands of teaching positions remain vacant, and state universities are facing closure due to a lack of funds.
Q: What is AIDSO demanding?
A: AIDSO is demanding an immediate reversal of the salary hike and redirection of the funds towards essential public services like education, healthcare, and employment.
Q: How are students affected by the government’s priorities?
A: Scholarships have been delayed or reduced, thousands of teaching positions remain unfilled, and many government schools lack basic infrastructure. Several state universities are also at risk of shutting down due to financial constraints.
Short Summary:
In a move that has triggered outrage, Karnataka’s ministers and MLAs have increased their own salaries despite the state’s worsening economic crisis. While students face delays in scholarships, schools suffer from teacher shortages, and universities struggle with funding cuts, lawmakers have chosen to prioritize their financial gains over public welfare. AIDSO has condemned the decision and called for the reversal of the salary hike, urging the government to allocate funds for education, healthcare, and employment instead.
Context & Background:
Karnataka is currently facing a financial crunch that has impacted students, teachers, laborers, and the general public. Over 59,000 teaching positions remain vacant in government schools, university funding has been slashed, and many institutions are at risk of closure. Despite these challenges, the state government has approved a pay raise for all ministers and MLAs, sparking widespread criticism and protests.
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