Nothing worng if people happily tip govt officials: K'taka minister sparks row
· India · Times of India, India Today
Karnataka minister KM Shivalingegowda faced public backlash after suggesting there is Nothing wrong with citizens giving ‘tips’ or ‘honorarium’ to government officials for timely work. The minister made the remarks during a public-grievances meeting in Hassan on Saturday, prompting immediate condemnation from attendees and the BJP. A local farmer questioned if the statement encouraged bribery, leading to chaos at the event. Shivalingegowda later clarified that he intended to advocate for respecting honest officials rather than encouraging extortion or bribery. Deputy commissioner KS Latha Kumari stated that the minister's remarks were misinterpreted and emphasized that bribery remains a punishable offense.
Why it matters
The minister's comments have reignited the debate over administrative corruption and the ethical boundaries of citizen-official interactions in Karnataka.
Read the original report — Times of India
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