Karnataka CM Urges Government Employees to Empower Underprivileged

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called on government employees to support the underprivileged socially and economically, aiming to eliminate societal inequality. During the State Government Employees' Association event, he emphasized on past and current support for employees, while also reflecting on the importance of just society envisioned by Basavanna, Ambedkar, and Gandhi.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday urged government employees to work towards empowering the socially and economically underprivileged, thereby eliminating societal inequality. Speaking at the 'Our Felicitation to the Chief Minister' event, organized by the State Government Employees' Association, the CM reiterated his unwavering support for government employees.

During his tenure in 2018, Siddaramaiah highlighted the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations and, more recently in 2024, the enforcement of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. He recalled that, during his time as Finance Minister in J.H. Patel's government, he had also implemented the 4th Pay Commission recommendations. Siddaramaiah stated that the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission's recommendations cost the government Rs10,500 crores, while the 7th Pay Commission's recommendations will require over Rs20,000 crores.

The Chief Minister echoed the visions of Basavanna, Ambedkar, and Mahatma Gandhi for a just society, emphasizing that it is everyone's collective responsibility to realize this dream. He urged government employees to ensure that government policies and welfare programs benefit the poor. Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Siddaramaiah noted that while political independence had been achieved, true freedom would only come with the social and economic empowerment of the marginalized. He called on government employees and elected representatives to take on this crucial role.

Siddaramaiah assured that the government has always adopted a positive stance towards the demands of its employees. A committee has been formed to review the withdrawal of the New Pension Scheme and the reintroduction of the old pension scheme, with actions to follow based on its report. He also prioritized the implementation of the Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini scheme, addressing teachers' concerns, and filling vacant positions.

While committing to address the demands of government employees, the Chief Minister reiterated the importance of spending taxpayers' money judiciously. (ANI)