From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jan 24: The absenteeism of the senior government officials, including IAS officers, working in different departments of the State Government were pulled up by the Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy on Friday.

The absence of ministers and bureaucrats when matters concerning their departments were listed for discussion in the House was a serious breach and can never be condoned, Shankaramurthy said,

He said during the session, a set of officials are deputed to the Council everyday and they should invariably be present.

''I will take it upon myself the responsibility to check the list officials deputed to the session and verify that with their attendance,” he said making it clear that he will take serious note of the absence.

The issue came up when D S Veeraiah raised an issue pertaining to delay in disbursement of salary to daily wage workers in hostels under the social welfare department since eight months.

Veeraiah took strong exception to the absence of Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya  on Friday and even on Thursday.

''What is the pressing work that forced the minister to skip the House for two days,” he asked and himself answered by pointing out that the minister had organised a function of the department in his constituency when the Council is in session and the act amounted to breach of privilege.

Veeraiah said even the officials of the Social Welfare Department must be taking the House lightly taking the cue from the minister and  none of the officials from the social welfare department are present at the House.

The Chairman, however, asked the member to come with separate notice on breach of privilege and promised to look into it as per rules.