From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Apr 21: In a quick decision on the recent consensus arrived at the all-party meeting to take stock of the serious drought situation in the State, Karnataka has banned foreign tour by officials for two months. A government order issued on Saturday, directed all principal secretaries, secretaries and other top administration officials not to undertake foreign tours whether sponsored by the state government or any other agency for two months.
The order, which comes into immediate effect, said there was need for coordinated effort by officials of all departments to engage themselves in drought relief works.
Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had rejected pleas by some legislators to undertake foreign visits, drawing their attention to the suggestions at an all party meet on April 19 to discuss the drought situation.
The Chief Minister himself had cancelled his foreign tour in view of the acute drought conditions gripping the state and need for coordinated effort to tackle the situation.
As many as 123 taluks out of 176 in the State have been reeling under drought conditions and government has formed ministerial teams to visit the affected taluks and monitor relief works.
Opposition Congress and JD(S) leaders have also been visiting drought-hit areas.