Siddaramaiah gave instructions to district ministers
Mysore: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said he has directed district ministers to conduct a study on the ongoing drought in their districts and submit a report before November 15.
“I have asked district ministers to visit all the taluks in their districts to study the drought. I have asked him to meet the people to know the ground reality.’ Even though the central government has not provided funds, the state government has released Rs 900 crore for drought-relief works,” he lamented. The Center has ignored Karnataka in sanctioning funds for drought-relief works.
Siddaramaiah said that after several letters, the Center on Saturday released Rs 600 crore for MNREGA works.
“There has been a loss of Rs 33,000 crore and we have requested the Center to release Rs 17,900 crore as per the guidelines. Our Revenue, Rural Development and Agriculture Ministers went to Delhi to meet PM Modi. But he returned after not getting time to meet the PM. The Prime Minister has still not been able to agree on the return of Congress to power in Karnataka. We will write to put pressure on the central government to release the funds,” he explained.
On MLAs speaking on the change of leadership, Siddaramaiah said he has warned MLAs and ministers not to speak publicly on the issue, and only to speak about the welfare programs launched in their respective constituencies.
Commenting on Modi’s criticism over state guarantee schemes during the election campaign in five states, Siddaramaiah said the Congress government is not worried by any criticism but is committed to serving the poor and farmers. Reacting to former BJP minister KS Eshwarappa’s statement of burning the caste census report of the Kantharaju Commission, the CM said that Eshwarappa is a falling coin.
“His words have no value. They are all depreciating coins. BJP did not give him ticket because its currency is falling. If the report is presented, we will accept it,” he said.
On irregularities in the KEA exam held in Kalaburagi where Bluetooth was used and candidates were asked to take off the mangal sutra and anklets, the CM said a thorough investigation would be conducted. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah on Sunday had lunch with the officials who successfully conducted the Dussehra festival.
Even though it is customary for the district minister to host lunch for officials, the CM struck a new chord by attending a lunch with district officials and MLAs and MLCs hosted by district minister HC Mahadevappa at a private hotel in Mysuru city. Set an example.
Speaking on the occasion, Siddaramaiah appreciated the work of the officials during the Dasara celebrations and said that Mysuru would be the number one district in the state if the officials work effectively. “The authorities should prepare a blueprint to start welfare activities. Mysore will have to return to its glory. The irrigation, agriculture and social welfare works of Mysuru Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar should be an inspiration for us,” he said.
