Karnataka withdraws bans on photos, videos in government offices after furore

“The public who visit government offices to get their work done are clicking photos and recording videos and posting them on social media. Such photos and videos are being misused, to bring disrepute to departments and the government,” the order copy said, citing the reason for the government’s decision.

“Especially women employees have been requesting to ban or restrict private individuals from taking unauthorised photos and videos during the office hours of all state-government departments,” the order further stated.

The ban order came after incidents of officials getting caught on camera taking bribes.

Former minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge took a swipe at the government over the order restricting the use of phones for photos and videos in government offices.

He wrote that the order from what he said was a 40-percent BJP government was for “Ease of Doing Business”, as the elections were around the corner and “collections need to be increased”.

The new notification of the 40% BJP Govt is for “Ease of Doing Business” as the elections are around the corner collections need to be increased. #BrashtaJanataPaksha pic.twitter.com/lSDkVwDnAu

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) July 15, 2022

Following criticism from the public as well as the Opposition, the government withdrew its order on Friday evening.

Several recent corruption cases

Karnataka, over the past few weeks, witnessed several cases of corruption that involved high-level incumbent bureaucrats.

A sitting ADGP was arrested by the CID for his involvement in the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) recruitment scam case.

In another case, an incumbent IAS officer was arrested by the state Anti Corruption Bureau for seeking a bribe.

Meanwhile, the state’s contractors’ association has alleged that ministers have been demanding a 40-percent commission in return for government tenders.