A government teacher in Kanubennahalli, Hosadurga taluk of Chitradurga district in Karnataka was suspended from duty on Saturday, May 20, after he posted a critical comment about the recently elected Chief Minister of the state, Siddaramaiah, on Facebook. Block Education Officer (BEO) L Jayappa confirmed that the teacher’s suspension was done as per the rules prescribed in the Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
The teacher, Shantamurthy, had posted a comment that questioned the fiscal policies of the Congress leader. He suggested that Siddaramaiah managed to return to power by offering freebies to people during the election campaign. In particular, Shanthamurthy pointed out the massive debt burden left behind by the Chief Minister in the state stating “When SM Krishna was the CM, the debt was 3,590 crore. During Dharam Singh, HD Kumaraswamy and BS Yediyurappa, Sadananada Gowda and Jagadish Shettar’s tenures the debt was 15,635, 3,545, 25,653, 9,464 and 13, 464 crores respectively. But during Siddaramaiah’s tenure the state debt touched Rs 2,42,000 crores. Which is why it is easy for him to announce freebies.”
Siddaramaiah took his oath as CM of the state after the Karnataka elections this month and Shantamurthy was immediately suspended due to his online comment. According to the aforementioned Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968, government employees are not allowed to make public statements that have the potential of having an adverse effect on any current or recent policies or actions of those in power.
The incident highlights how seriously the government takes criticism from its employees and serves as a reminder of the importance of staying within the limits of what is accepted. Additionally, it is equally important for those in positions of power to take the steps necessary to provide transparency and accountability when making major decisions related to the public’s interests.
