The Karnataka government has withdrawn its order banning photography and videography inside the government offices under the directions of Chief Minster Basavaraj Bommai.
The government had on Friday morning issued an order prohibiting taking of photos and videos in its offices without prior permission. This followed a petition submitted to the government by the president of Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association, seeking a ban.
However, following criticism, the CM examined the order and instructed that it be revoked. Accordingly, the order was withdrawn around midnight by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
Speaking to the media, CM Bommai clarified that the order had not come to his attention. “Government employees had been complaining about this for a while, especially since it (uploading of photos and videos) had caused problems to women employees. However, our administration is being run in a transparent manner and we have nothing to hide. We want things to continue as before without any restrictions, and therefore, I have taken the decision to rescind the order,” he said.
‘Misuse on social media’
In his memorandum, the association president had alleged that while it is common for the general public to visit government offices regularly, individuals were entering the premises and taking photographs and videos of the functioning of the offices. They were then being circulated on social media “recklessly” and there was also a possibility of these being “misused”, which “lower the dignity of government offices.”
Following the association memorandum, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms had said that it is illegal to take photos and videos during working hours without prior permission of the authorities. This is applicable to all government offices, at district, taluk and village levels, besides in the State capital.
“The government has given careful consideration to the matter and is of the view that it is necessary to restrict the public from taking photos and videos during office hours of all the departments of the State government,” the order said.
Lack of transparency
However, the order was heavily criticised by some quarters as a move that will not allow for transparency in the government’s functioning.
In a release, the Karnataka Rashtra Samiti said the government is trying to use a draconian rule and it was anti-people.
The Janata Dal (Secular), meanwhile, sought to know what the government had to hide that it has come up with such a draconian rule. “Are you scared that your 40% corruption will be exposed?” asked party leader and MLA Bandeppa Kashempur.” “Why should the government be afraid of photography and videography if it is on the right track?” he asked.
