'Nothing worng if people happily tip govt officials': K'taka minister sparks row

HASSAN: Hassan district minister KM Shivalingegowda’s statement that there is “nothing wrong” if citizens happily give ‘tips’ or ‘honorarium’ to govt officials for timely work has triggered outrage among the public and BJP.The minister made the comment during ‘Prajaseva Andolana’, a public-grievances meet, here Saturday.Puneeth, a farmer from Alur taluk in the district who was attending the meeting to highlight his land case, condemned the statement in front of the minister. “Officials are paid a salary. Why should we give them tips? Doesn’t this amount to encouraging bribery?” Puneeth and a group of youths questioned the minister directly. With more people backing them, the meeting witnessed chaos.Sensing the situation going out of hand, Shivalingegowda tried to defend himself. “I meant officials should not extort money.