Bangalore: Shettar Bemoans Crime Incidents in Mangalore, Bangalore
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Aug 15: Though the law and order situation in Karnataka was much better during the last four years of BJP rule in the State, the recent series of criminal incidents including open gangwar of rowdies and the murders of lonely couples or senior citizens and the attack on the Home Stay at Padil in Mangalore were a cause of serious worry, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said in Bangalore on Wednesday.
''Naxal menace has been brought under control. But the criminal acts in Bangalore and Mangalore are a cause of worry,” he said delivering the Independence Day address at a grand parade in the Field Marshal Maneshaw Parade Grounds.
However, the Government has directed the police not to show any leniency to the culprits and deal with them with a firm hand, he said adding: “Police handled the incidents without giving room for further worsening of the situation.”
The Chief Minister said the culprits had been rounded up in connection with the Morning Mist Home Stay attack at Padil in Mangalore and investigations were on. Strict instructions were given to police to prevent any untoward incidents in future.
Impressive March Past, Cultural Display
The 66th Independence Day celebration was marked by a colourful display cultural programmes, which were preceded by an impressive and dazzling march past by contingents of the Karnataka State Reserve Police, Home Guards, Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services, National Cadet Corps, Traffic Wardens, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Seva Dal, Excise, and volunteers and boys and girls from schools across the city.
As usual, schoolchildren stole the show with over 2300 dressed in a riot of colours, dancing to the melodies of patriotic songs.
The Chief Minister unfurled the tri-colour and received the guard of honour amid cheers by a good number of the public, freedom fighters and hundreds of youth sporting colourful dress, waving the national flag and singing patriotic songs in unison.
Tackling Drought Situation is First Priority
Shettar, who dwelt at length about the serious drought situation affecting 143 out of the 176 taluks in the State and other problems, said the government had given special attention to tackle the scarcity conditions and continue drought relief measures by providing employment and water for people and fodder for animals.
He said the State Government had urged the Centre to sanction Rs 11,489 crore for taking up short-term and long-term drought relief measures, declaring that tackling the drought situation was the Government’s first priority.
The decision to waive loan upto Rs 25,000 availed by farmers from cooperative banks would cost the state exchequer Rs 3,600 crore and benefit around 16 lakh farmers in the state.
The Chief Minister said the financial position of the State was strong and the plan size for 2012-13 at Rs 42,030 crore, which was 10 per cent more than Rs 38,070 crore spent during 2011-12
An integrated horticulture scheme was being implemented in all districts from this month and it would be executed for the next three years by spending Rs 525 crore.
Under the scheme, crops would be extended to about 15,000 hectares each year which would increase the annual production by around four lakh tonnes. It would generate income of Rs 450 crore, he said.
Sakala To Be Extended from 151 to 226 Services
The most recent and ambitious people-friendly measure of launched by the Government, Sakala, had proved a big hit with the people. Of the 83.54 lakh applications received as many as 74.89 lakh applications had been disposed of as on August 13, 2012.
The Sakala Scheme covering 151 services offered by 16 different departments would soon be extended from the present 151 to 226.
The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the Centre’s decision to amend the Article 371 of the constitution to provide a special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka region and hoped that it would materialize soon.
The Government has proposed to regularize unauthorized constructions in rural and urban areas. Nemmadi Kendras would he handed over to Nada Kacheries from next month, he said.
Meanwhile, a social activist Jayakumar Hiremath, who was seated in the VIP enclosure, created a mild flutter by throwing pamphlets when the Chief Minister was inspecting the ceremonial Independence Day parade, for demanding immediate appointment of Lokayukta.
Activist Creates Flutter for Lokayukta
The Chief Minister continued the inspection unfazed by the incident even as the security police immediately swung into action and arrested the activist, an executive committee member of All India Freedom Fighters Sangha,
The post of Lokayukta has remained vacant since September 19 last year after former Supreme Court Judge Shivaraj Patil, who succeeded the high-profile and hugely popular Justice Santosh Hegde, quit following allegations of getting land allotment in violation of rules.
After the exit of Justice Shivaraj Patil, the State Government recommended the name of former Kerala High Court Chief Justice S R Bannurmath, But the Governor refused to accept it insisting on a “spotless candidate.”
The Karnataka High Court had directed Government on July 23 to begin the process of appointment and rejected its contention that Lokayukta would be appointed after the Supreme Court gave its verdict on a Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court’s order of quashing appointment of Justice Chandrashekaraiah as Upa Lokayukta.
It had observed that the issue before the apex court pertained to the appointment of Upa Lokayukta and the Government should initiate consultation on appointing Lokayukta immediately instead of allowing the post to remain vacant for a long time.
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