State resorts to contempt of Court by not paying arrears to Akku, Leela

December 10, 2013

Udupi, Dec 10: Akku and Leela who had been working for a mere Rs 15 per month for the last 42 years shook the entire nation. Though the Supreme Court had given its verdict in this case, the same has not been implemented even after four years, thereby amounting to Contempt of Court.

However, Activist Dr Ravindra Shanbhaug who has been fighting for the rights of Akku and Leela said that the officials are hatching a plot to pay the arrears of just 5 years as against 42 years, just to escape the punishment for contempt of Court.

Addressing news conference on Monday, Dr Shanbhaug said that Akku and Leela were taken on temporary basis in 1971 to Udupi Government Girls' Training Centre.

Akku from Kinnimulky and Leela from Chitpadi soon joined duty as cleaning staff in the training centre for a basic salary of Rs 15 each.

Later on, though the two struggled to get themselves promoted as permanent staff, all their efforts went in vain. In 1984, though the Government order was out stating that all the employees who have served for over 10 years can be made permanent, several application were acknowledged but Akku and Leela's were rejected.

In 1998, Akku and Leela, under the guidance of Udupi Manava Hakkugala Rakshana Prathishtana went to Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT).

Following this, the duo was sacked from job by Department of Education. But, they continued to work and retired in 2011.

Meanwhile, in 2003 the Tribunal made the service of the two permanent and also stated that the arrears of the two must be released to them from 1971.

Questioning this order, the state government went to the High Court where the HC upheld the verdict of the KAT.

The Government then went to the Apex Court and lost its face again as the SC too in 2010 stated that the services of Akku and Leela must be regularized and they should be paid arrears from 1971.

Contempt of Court

Seeing that Government had not implemented the SC order over the last four years, the Human Rights organization of Udupi went to Supreme Court and registered a Contempt of Court case against the State government.

The SC gave two months time to the government to implement the order. This too was brushed aside by the state. Now that the education department officials are sensing trouble as the SC may order imprisonment of the officials concerned anytime soon, they are staging an eyewash of releasing arrears of few years.

The Education Department Under Secretary has ordered to release Rs 2,21,296 and Rs 2,21,396 to Akku and Leela respectively as arrears from 1998 to 2003. However, the department has not spoken of considering the two as permanent employees.

While the department is due to pay Rs 27 lakhs, it is ready to pay a meager amount of Rs 2 lakhs to the two grieved employees.

Dr Shanbhaug says that the Akku and Leela case is just the tip of the iceberg as according to him there are over 750 such staff who have been working for mere Rs 15 basic pay since the last 42 years.

Padma, an employee of Malpe Government Pre University College and Elizabeth in Mangalore are some of the employees who have been working under same condition. Several of them have retired, says Dr Shanbhaug.

Battling difficulties

Akku says that she is asking for what legally belongs to her.

“My husband is unwell. One of sons is a painter and the other is a pigmy collector. I have two daughters to be married off. I am demanding for my hard earned money from the state,” said Akku.

Meanwhile, Leela too is battling similar background.

Her husband, who was sweeper in Manipal has retired. She has three daughter to take care of. The arrears is the only silver lining in her life.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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