For these MLCs, charity begins at state’s coffers

By Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) are elected or nominated to the Upper House as a means of recognition for their service to society. But even the wealthiest among them have not hesitated to claim medical expenses which are reimbursed by the state exchequer. Forty out of the 75 MLCs have claimed medical reimbursements in 2019, 44 in 2020 and 41 in 2021, to the tune of `1 crore in the last three years.

S. Nagaraj, a successful film producer, claimed `3,33,917 on March 15, 2021, saying he had contracted Covid -19. “I was admitted to Gopala Gowda Shanthaveri Memorial Hospital. I am not sure of the medical bill footed by the state,” he claimedHe also said he had donated `1 crore to a hospital in Mysuru from his Local Area Development Fund.

Former mayor and MLC P.R. Ramesh filed for reimbursements of `4.2 lakh on December 11, 2020 for him and his wife. “I was involved in Covid- 19 relief work during the first wave,” he said. “I helped many patients get beds in hospitals and arranged ambulances,” he said, implying that since he contracted Covid while serving the people then passed it on to his wife, he is justified in asking the government to foot the bill.

T.A. Saravana, a prominent gold merchant, owns a number of jewellery stores in the city. He has even maintained a canteen to feed the poor. He has claimed `11,64,416 between 2019 -20. “It was to pay my mother’s hospital bills. I have only utilised what the government has allotted to MLCs.”

This information came to light through an RTI filed by social activist Venkatesh H.M. “Most of them are from affluent families. They are ready to donate huge sums to their respective political parties to get selected or nominated to the Upper House. It is quite disgusting to see them claiming money from the state government,” he said.