An RTI activist has launched a sharp critique against the Karnataka state government, accusing it of unethical governance for providing housing assistance to poor victims from other states while allegedly neglecting homeless families within Karnataka. Bhimappa Gadad has declared his intention to approach the Karnataka High Court to challenge this policy, which he labels as discriminatory and a misuse of taxpayers' money.
Allegations of Unethical Allocation and Neglect
In a detailed release, Bhimappa Gadad highlighted a specific case in the Byatarayanapura assembly segment. Here, the state government announced compensation and alternative housing for families affected by the removal of an unauthorised structure in Kogilu. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had entrusted the Housing Minister with this responsibility. The government decided to allocate housing under the Chief Minister's One Lakh Housing Scheme, specifically for this incident.
Gadad pointed out that the beneficiaries in this case were from Kerala and had illegally constructed houses on the site. He argues that this limited allocation, bypassing countless eligible Karnataka residents, is clear evidence of the state government's unethical approach. He further criticised the opposition parties for their silence on the matter, suggesting a lack of strong opposition in the state.
Contrast with Long-Pending Projects in Belagavi
Gadad contrasted this decision with the prolonged neglect of housing projects for Karnataka's own citizens. He cited the example of a project intended to build houses for 960 flood victims in the Arabhavi constituency of Belagavi district. This project has remained stalled for many years despite numerous requests to the state government.
The state government has shown reluctance to construct houses for flood victims in several locations across Karnataka, Gadad stated. In such a context, he finds it profoundly unethical to prioritise and expedite housing for people from other states, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at securing minority votes.
Legal Recourse and Condemnation of Discriminatory Policy
Expressing his determination to seek justice, Bhimappa Gadad confirmed he will file a petition in the Karnataka High Court. His legal challenge will condemn the state government's discriminatory attitude and its policy of playing politics with public funds. He asserts that the government's primary duty is to its own homeless and disaster-affected citizens, whose needs have been sidelined for years while resources are diverted to those from outside the state.
The activist's move brings into sharp focus the allocation priorities of welfare schemes and raises questions about the ethical use of state resources designated for the local poor.
