From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 28: In an embarrassment to the State Government, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa went to the extent of asking MLAs to initiate prosecution proceedings against the ministers over non-payment of wages to the workers engaged in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

The Speaker, who intervened during the discussion on the budget in the State Assembly on Monday, was visibly angry and exhorted the members to initiate prosecution proceedings against the ministers as the MGNREG Act has provision for such legal action.

"The MGNREG Act has provision for prosecuting the concerned minister if the wages are not paid within 7 days. You(MLAs) should guide the workers to file a complaint. Everyone will get their wage in time if the law is strictly followed," Thimmappa said.

Raising the issue JD(S) member MT Krishnappa said the number of persons enrolling for work under MGNREGS is dwindling due to delay in payment of wages.

The laxity on part of the officials is defeating the very purpose of employment guarantee scheme, which would be a boon for the poor if implemented effectively.

The members cutting across party lines supported Krishnappa.

It was pointed out that there are cases where wages have not been paid for work done in 2009-10.

Expressing serious displeasure at the state of affairs in implementing the scheme Speaker Thimmappa said, "make the workers to file cases against the union and state ministers associated with the scheme. Such an action will force them to get serious and set right the lapses. The scheme is not giving desired results due to lack of commitment from us (MLAs) and lack of will power from the government."

The Speaker assured to time for a detailed discussion on the issue on the last day of the ongoing legislature session to send a strong message against lapses in the scheme.