Bengaluru: Relaxation of dress code, a cap on membership fee and mandatory infrastructure are some of the recommendations which are likely to be made by a House committee on functioning of clubs across the state.
However, the panel is not likely to insist on giving membership to elected representatives- mainly legislators in any club, in the wake of complaints from some clubs that netas want membership in posh clubs.
A member of the committee, on the condition of anonymity, told Deccan Chronicle that the panel was formed on January 21, 2015 when MLAs led by Mr A Manju (Animal Husbandry Minister) raised the style of functioning of clubs.
Then Speaker, Kagodu Thimmappa constituted the House Committee under the chairmanship of Mr Manju to submit a report to enable the government take necessary steps. After Mr Manju was inducted into the Cabinet, the government appointed Shanthinagar MLA N.A. Haris as chairman."After three to four meetings we will be submitting the findings to the Speaker", the source added.
He said some prestigious clubs were insisting on guests buying the prescribed shoes and necktie available there for entry into the premises. Besides, a few clubs were denying entry to guests arriving in dhoti and jubba which was quite absurd. Dhoti has been the traditional attire of people of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and former PM, Mr H.D. Deve Gowda and incumbent CM Siddaramaiah attend all functions wearing them.
But, some clubs think that they are still in the British Raj and insist on a dress code. The panel had taken note of this and is likely to recommend to the government to direct all clubs across the state not to deny entry for people in dhoti and jubba.
The member pointed out that many clubs were paying an annual rent in thousands whereas they charge Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh for enrollmen. Despite paying so much money, people had to wait for years to get membership.
