Karnataka Minister Backs Guarantees After Seer’s Remarks, Rules Out Longer Work Hours Claim

Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil strongly defended the Congress government's flagship five guarantee schemes, asserting that the people of the state are happy and secure under the current administration. Earlier, HK Patil responded to the remarks made by Dingaleshwar Seer of Shirahatti Fakireshwar Mutt.

“I don’t know the exact comment made by the seer,” Patil said. “But with our five guarantees, people are very happy. They are feeling secure and comfortable. They are very much enjoying the food of democracy now.” Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, he added, “Gandhiji said political freedom is not enough, economic freedom should be there. That has come true.”

Patil also dismissed claims that the welfare schemes were financially burdening religious institutions. “Whomsoever has the strength, they will feed the people. So far, no temple or mutt has made any such complaint,” he said.

The remarks come after Dingaleshwar seer claimed that the state’s guarantee schemes were placing a financial strain on mutts, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take serious note of the issue. The five guarantees—free bus travel for women, free power up to 200 units, monthly allowance to unemployed youth, financial aid to women heads of families, and subsidized food grains—continue to be a political focal point in Karnataka, drawing both praise for welfare impact and criticism over fiscal sustainability.

Working Hours Extension Not On Agenda Yet: HK Patil

Addressing a separate issue, Patil said that the proposal to extend working hours to 12 hours per day in Karnataka’s IT/ITES and BPO sectors is “not currently on the agenda.”

His comment follows recent reports that the state government is considering an amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, which currently permits a maximum of 10 working hours per day, including overtime. The labour department held discussions with stakeholders on Wednesday, sparking opposition from state employee unions who have flagged concerns over worker fatigue and rights.

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