The High Court has directed the Karnataka government and the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board to ensure that educational assistance is provided to children of construction labourers for the financial years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, extending support until they complete their education. Justice M Nagaprasanna issued this order while hearing a petition filed by two daughters of construction workers.
The judge emphasized that the board should consider all similar applications, ensuring that citizens do not have to repeatedly approach the court for similar relief. “The state can bear the brunt of litigation, but not the poor citizen,” said Justice Nagaprasanna. Additionally, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) was instructed to audit the board’s funds within three months and submit a report to the court registry.
The petitioners, the two girls, had approached the court after their applications for educational assistance, submitted under a notification dated August 13, 2021, went unaddressed. Subsequently, a new notification issued on October 30, 2023, reduced the assistance amounts for LLB and MBA courses from Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000 to Rs 10,000 and Rs 11,000, respectively. The court quashed the October notification and reinstated the earlier one.
The judge also criticized the board’s wasteful spending on unnecessary training and vehicle purchases. He pointed out that the board’s failure to apply for tax exemptions had resulted in a significant tax liability of Rs 3,548 crore. Justice Nagaprasanna stressed that funds meant for construction workers and their children should not be misused. He also reminded the state of its responsibility to uphold the constitutional rights of construction workers and their families, emphasizing that educating women is key to empowering entire generations.
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