A committee of the Karnataka legislature set up to look into alleged irregularities in private clubs in Bangalore has in its recommendations suggested that elected members like MPs and MLAs must be given honorary memberships in private clubs.

The House committee which was set in 2012 when now chief minister and the then leader of opposition Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders had demanded a House probe of clubs to look into issues like imposition of dress codes and other rules.

The committee whose recommendations of March 30, 2013 was placed in the Assembly on Friday has now recommended removal of dress codes prevailing in some of the prestigious clubs in the city preventing people wearing clothing like dhotis and chappals from entering clubs. Decent clothing should be criteria for entry into clubs rather strict dress codes, the committee has stated.

"The committee recommends that the government should issue directions that no club in the state must impose strict dress codes for entry,'' committee stated in its primary recommendation.

The Bangalore Golf Club, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, Bangalore Turf Club, the Bangalore Club and the Bowring Institute Club were among the prestigious clubs surveyed by the committee while putting forth its recommendations.

"Some prestigious clubs have their own dress code, and mostly give membership to foreigners, those who have black money and foreign culture,'' the committee said.

The committee has recommended taking over of government land allotted to clubs in the event of any illegal constructions being carried out on the property. The committee also said action must be taken against clubs engaged in activities other than what it was granted permission for. Creation of a monitoring committee to oversee clubs has also been recommended.

A New Recreation Club Act to regulate clubs and their membership has been mooted. "Elected representatives have special rights in a democracy and in this context local MPs, MLAs and MLCs must be made honorary members of clubs in their areas,'' the committee has recommended. The creation of a Constitutional Club for members of the legislature is among the recommendations.

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