Status of Minister to legislators, party workers to burden Karnataka exchequer

The State government’s decision to confer “Cabinet rank” on MLAs and MLCs and grant “Minister of State” status to party workers appointed as heads of government boards, corporations, and authorities is likely to put additional strain on the exchequer, especially at a time when the State is relying heavily on borrowings to fund capital expenditure.

Apart from the 31 constitutionally-sanctioned Cabinet Ministers at present (two vacant now, out of a total of 33), the ruling Congress has accorded Cabinet rank to 43 legislators appointed to various boards and corporations. In addition, 53 party workers have been granted Minister of State status.

Several MLAs and MLCs have also been assigned advisory and other roles, including Chief Minister’s legal, economic, and political advisers; the government’s representative in New Delhi; chairperson of the Administrative Reforms Commission; vice-chairperson of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission; chairperson and four vice-chairpersons of the Guarantee Committee; and the Chief Minister’s media adviser. All these positions carry either Cabinet or Minister of State rank.

With the latest decision to confer Minister of State status on 53 party workers, the total number of individuals enjoying Cabinet or ministerial-level privileges now exceeds the total strength of Congress MLAs in the Assembly.

After many discussions

Sources in the Congress said that following several rounds of discussions, the government appointed party workers to boards and corporations to boost cadre morale. Ahead of rural and urban local body elections, a notification was issued granting Minister of State status to 53 party functionaries in an effort to “please all,” party sources indicated.

Although these legislators and party workers are not technically part of the Council of Ministers, the status entitles them to perks equivalent to those enjoyed by Ministers. They are provided with offices, staff, personal assistants, security personnel, vehicles, salary, accommodation, telephone facilities, and travel allowances.

Why parties do it

The 91st Constitutional Amendment (2003), enacted during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, capped the size of the Council of Ministers at 15% of the total strength of the House. As a result, ruling parties often face pressure to accommodate senior legislators who cannot be inducted into the Cabinet. To manage dissent and placate aspirants, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has granted Cabinet rank to several members. Such appointments are seen as a way to curb internal factionalism and maintain party cohesion, a Congress party functionary said.

The BJP and the JD(S) have accused the Congress government of prioritising political appointments for political survival.

They allege that funding the five guarantee schemes has already caused fiscal stress, diversion of funds meant for SC and ST welfare, and infrastructural bottlenecks, and that these additional appointments further compound the burden.