149 ‘minister-rank’ appointees in Karnataka? Siddaramaiah govt faces spending scrutiny

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah (right) with his deputy DK Shivakumar (left) in Bengaluru. (File photo)

• Karnataka govt grants MoS status to 54 more, raising ministerial ranks to 149
• Opposition criticizes expanded privileges amid concerns over fiscal strain
• Appointees get pay, allowances, staff, and protocol benefits like state ministers.

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The Congress government in Karnataka, headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is facing mounting criticism after a fresh round of appointments dramatically increased the number of people enjoying ministerial privileges in the state from 32 to 149, according to a report by CNN-News18.

As per the documents cited in the report, the administration has conferred Minister of State (MoS) status on 54 more individuals, intensifying a debate over fiscal prudence and governance priorities.

With this latest decision, the number of those holding either Cabinet rank or MoS rank has climbed to 149.

While the Constitution caps the Council of Ministers at 34, the state currently has 32 ministers within that limit.

However, the government has extended “ministerial status" beyond the constitutional framework to several others, a move that has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties and financial observers.

A closer look at the figures shows that 43 MLAs and nine individuals who are not legislators -- including advisors and special representatives -- have been granted Cabinet rank.

In addition, 11 MLAs and 54 non-MLAs have been given the rank of Minister of State. Many among the newly designated MoS rank-holders are Congress leaders and party functionaries heading government boards and corporations.

Each appointee is entitled to a monthly pay of Rs 50,000. On top of that comes a hospitality allowance of Rs 3,000 and a house rent allowance amounting to Rs 80,000 per month.

Maintenance and staffing support accounts for another Rs 20,000 monthly. The benefits package also includes 1,000 litres of fuel every month -- estimated at nearly Rs 1,00,000 at prevailing prices -- along with daily travel allowances between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500.

Beyond monetary compensation, these rank-holders are provided with administrative support staff such as personal secretaries, assistants, drivers, and attenders.

They are also eligible for complete reimbursement of medical expenses and receive official protocol courtesies on par with state ministers at government events.

Opposition leaders and fiscal watchdogs argue that at a time when Karnataka is managing substantial financial outlays for its flagship guarantee schemes, expanding the pool of those enjoying high-ranking privileges could strain the treasury further.

The Siddaramaiah administration, meanwhile, has maintained silence publicly on the criticism, even as the controversy continues to gather momentum across political circles.