The Karnataka government has dismissed Dr. Ankita Yaragal, niece of Congress MLA Umesh Meti, after revelations that she was receiving a Rs 75,000 monthly salary as a government medical officer while pursuing an MD at a private college. The decision follows a directive from district officials and highlights potential misuse of public funds.

  • Dr. Ankita Yaragal earned Rs 75,000 monthly despite enrolling in a private MD program.
  • Karnataka officials terminated her contract following a complaint from the district health office.
  • Neither the MLA nor Dr. Yaragal has commented on the incident.

The Karnataka state government terminated the contract of Dr. Ankita R. Yaragal, the niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti, after discovering that she was receiving a monthly salary of Rs 75,000 as a government medical officer while simultaneously pursuing an MD at a private medical college.

Background

Dr. Yaragal was appointed as a medical officer at Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony, Bagalkot, on a contract basis in April 2025. However, local activist Raju Naik reported that she had not been present at the clinic for three months and that her father, DHO Dr. Rajkumar Yaragal, had facilitated the appointment without proper resignation from her MD course.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident underscores the misuse of public resources and the erosion of trust in government health services. When a public office is used for personal gain, it not only wastes taxpayer money but also deprives communities of essential healthcare.

"Using a public position for private advantage undermines democratic principles," said Professor R. Punna, a political science scholar.
Did You Know?: Since 2018, Karnataka has enforced strict transparency rules for appointments of government medical officers, requiring prior registration and verification of eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is Dr. Yaragal still receiving her salary?
Answer: Her father, the DHO, stated that she was not paid after assuming charge and instructed the taluk health officer to relieve her from duty.

Question 2: Will MLA Umesh Meti face any legal action?
Answer: No official statements have been made, but the Karnataka government has called for an investigation.