Civil society organisations have an important role to play by speaking up against majoritarian and divisive politics that not only disrupt social harmony but also impede societal progress. Bahutva Karnataka (Diverse Karnataka) was formed in response to these concerns and comprises people from across Karnataka. Bahutva Karnataka highlights religion, caste and gender based discrimination and atrocities as well as government policies in the state that undermine Karnataka’s diverse, syncretic culture, a just society and equitable progress for all.
Despite the many issues facing the people of Karnataka today, the state government has demonstrated little will in taking them on. Amidst the noise of everyday news, the commitments made by elected representatives to the electorate are often forgotten. Continuously assaulted by a barrage of emotive and polarising issues via news channels and newspapers, minds are distracted and a focus on real issues affecting and having a long-term impact on people of the state is lost.
A lack of accountability of elected representatives and the absence of a formal framework and process to hold them accountable is one of the key defects of our democratic system and political culture. Elections are a good time to remind our representatives that they are accountable to the public for upholding the values of the constitution, promoting a fair, just and equitable society, and providing efficient governance.
Bringing accountability
Bahutva Karnataka recently took up a review of the performance of the state government in key areas. The review was undertaken by academics and civil society members with domain knowledge and awareness of the ground realities and used publicly available information. Some reports were a result of collaboration with grassroots organisations such as Nammoora Bhoomi, Naveddu Nilladiddare, Centre for Budget and Policy Studies, and Slum Janandolana. As an outcome of the review, earlier this month, Bahutva Karnataka released reports on subjects ranging from Education, Healthcare, Nutrition, Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment to Fiscal Management, Key Laws passed, Federalism, Governance, Democracy, and the Rights of Women, Religious Minorities, Labour, and Slum Residents.
The reports were released to the press and widely reported on in the media. They are also available for download on Bahutva Karnataka’s website.
Education and health
In the aftermath of COVID-19, like other states, education and healthcare in Karnataka were badly impacted. During the pandemic, schools were closed for nearly two years, reading levels dropped, and huge learning gaps were found amongst school-going children. Government school children who are mostly from marginalised communities did not receive midday meals and an increase in malnutrition levels during the period can be assumed. According to NFHS 5 (2019-20) and CNNS (2016-18), malnutrition indicators in Karnataka were of concern even before the pandemic and these are expected to have considerably worsened with deteriorating livelihoods, poor functioning of social security schemes and the rigorous lockdown.
Unfortunately despite these factors and the state rebounding economically, overall government expenditure on social services (education, health, rural development, etc.) post the pandemic actually went down. Although the education budget went up marginally in 2022, Karnataka spends much less than the national average on education. And it shows. For example, at 57.7%, the state has the highest government teacher vacancy in the country. In 2022-23 the state government increased the healthcare budget by 17.4%. Unfortunately most of this was spent on infrastructure. Primary Healthcare Centres continue to be severely understaffed. Overall it seems that the government did not make a serious effort to address issues of learning loss as well as shortage of teachers and healthcare personnel.
Agrarian crisis and environment
Even today, agriculture is the primary occupation for most of rural Karnataka. As in much of the country, farmers in Karnataka are in a crisis, caught in a spiralling debt trap triggered by the vagaries of the elements and the markets. Karnataka has one of the highest rates of farmer suicides and increasing landlessness. In this scenario, it is unfortunate that the government introduced laws such as the Karnataka Land Reforms Amendment Act 2022, the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act 2021 and the Agricultural Produce Marketing (Amendment) Act 2020 which have aggravated their condition. The Land Reforms Act allows corporates to buy land from farmers in distress, the Prevention of Cattle Slaughter Act criminalises buying, selling, transport and slaughter of cattle and the APM Amendment Act weakens APMCs, making it difficult for farmers to get minimum support price for their crop.
On the environmental front, key regulatory institutions, under pressure to approve projects, have put aside environmental safeguards while widespread urban pollution continues and an underfunded forest department struggles. Meanwhile the state faces threats to coastal ecosystems and water sources from development projects.
Social harmony, development and freedom
Over the last four years, instances of hate speech, moral policing, targeting of religious minorities, etc. have been on the rise. The state has been witness to a ban on the hijab at educational institutions, economic boycott of Muslim vendors at temples, demonisation of the Muslim community by right-wing organisations, objection to Muslim practices like Azaan and Halal, vandalising of churches and more – all of which clearly point to a deep tear in the fabric of society within the state. Bahutva’s reports on Religious Minorities, Key Laws outline why the state government’s response to these incidents is far from the desired.
Much has been promised in the way of funds and development for the poor and backward regions in North Karnataka but little has been done. Instead funds have been allocated and laws proposed (Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections) benefiting politically powerful castes.
In December 2022, the high court fined the state government for delaying panchayat elections for over a year. Similarly, Bengaluru Municipality (BBMP) elections have been delayed for over two years. Routinely passing laws through the ordinance route, glaring lack of uniformity in the application of the law and the arrests and cases against ordinary citizens speak poorly of the state of democracy in Karnataka.
Women, labour and slums
Women in the state have little to rejoice about. Data from the National Family Health Survey, NCRB and Karnataka State Police indicates a sharp rise in domestic violence as well as crimes against women in the state. Advances made by women have been chipped away at by the undignified comments and attitude of government functionaries that have not only turned a blind eye to moral policing by vigilantes but have repeatedly used the ‘Indian culture in danger’ trope to divest women of their agency.
Apart from treatment meted out to them during the pandemic, there is a growing discontent among unorganised sector workers in the state due to a range of unresolved grievances. The Factories (Karnataka Amendment) Act 2023 which increases work hours has also not gone down well with workers.
With rapid urbanisation, Karnataka’s cities are home to 46 lakh people. Housing and social welfare of slum dwellers who form part of the unorganised service sector should be of concern to the government. Bahutva’s report on Slum Residents Rights outlines the key issues faced.
Government priorities
No action on serious allegations of government corruption has not inspired confidence in the state government’s ability to provide an efficient administration. Also allocation of funds to the building of large statues and other symbolic projects in lieu of other more pressing areas as well as discriminatory and provocative statements by ruling party legislators also leave the public confused on the government’s priorities.
The phrase ‘double engine sarkaar’ is used to give the impression that the state benefits when the same political party is in power at the state and the Centre. Apart from undermining the concept of cooperative federalism, the phrase does not seem to apply to Karnataka. Bahutva’s report on Federalism outlines how Karnataka has gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to receiving funds from the Union government and prioritising the state’s interests.
Ongoing exercise
The exercise of holding the political system to account should not end with elections. It is the responsibility of civil society to engage with issues and hold elected governments accountable to their electorate at various levels on a continuous basis. Bahutva Karnataka is one among many civil society organisations that are committed to this task.
Anupama Hegde is an IT professional currently on sabbatical. She lives in Bangalore, volunteers with an education non-profit and is a member of Bahutva Karnataka.