Mangalore: CM says no Modi effect in Karnataka, warns against corruption, moral policing
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, Sep 29: "Karnataka is not affected by BJP's PM nominee Narendra Modi. This became quite clear when BJP failed to choose a candidate for the recent Lok Sabha by-polls in Mandya and Bangalore Rural," said chief minister Siddaramaiah
He was speaking to reporters at the helipad at Maryhill here on Sunday September 29, after receiving the guard of honour by the police and a grand welcome by Congress party leaders.
On allegations that the funds released for government staff quarters had been misused, he said he would study the reports and take appropriate action.
Asked to comment on the fruit rot disease that has affected areca crops, he said it is a major problem and that the government has been compensating the areca growers as per the National Calamity Relief Fund norms. "We have asked for an additional fund of Rs 500 crore from the central government, but we have already started giving compensation now," he said.
He also said that the proposal to estabish government medical colleges in every district has been accepted, and that in the initial stage, those districts that have no medical colleges, government or private, have been chosen. "Altogether, six districts including Gadag, Koppal, Chamarajanagar and Karwar have been picked in the first stage, and other districts will get medical colleges stage by stage," he said.
On Yettinahole project, he clarified that it was 'not Netravati diversion' but a 'drinking water supply' project for the benefit of south-eastern districts. "Districts namely Tumkur, Bangalore Rural, Chikballapur, Kolar and others will be supplied drinking water by lifting 24 TMC water from the river at Yettiinahole. People and various associations have misunderstood the project. I will directly speak to the associations that have been fighting for it with a view to spread awareness among people," he said.
Progress Review Meet
The DK district progress review meet was held at the conference hall in the DC's office here on Sunday, September 29. The meet was presided over by chief minister, Siddaramaiah.
Addressing the officials, he said, "The district has suffered considerable damage due to rain, specially the areca crops here. The horticulture department has incurred a loss of Rs 232 crore. Dakshina Kannada, Chikmagalur, Madikeri, Shimoga and Udupi districts have incurred heavy losses. Rs 30 crore has been been already released for compensation to areca growers, and anotherRs 40 crore will be released shortly."
He further said, "Development projects in the state have been carried out quietly, hence people are not aware of the extent of development. Nevertheless, the state is developing steadily.
Commenting on the function of the district administration, he said, "Once a week I convene 'Janatha Darshan', where I receive memorandums and appeals directly from people. Memorandums with regard to compensation for senior citizens, widows, physically challenged and others are the highest, along with many complaining that police have failed to provide protection to people. These are issues that need to be addressed at the taluk or district level. The fact that I have been receiving too many such memorandums means that the district administration has failed to respond to their queries. The officials have to do their duties sincerely to avoid such things in the future."
'Strict action against the corrupt'
Expressing concerns about corruption in government offices, he said, "There are too many complaints that corruption is high in lower levels like police stations, taluk offices etc. Higher officials must ensure that no such complaints are received. A person who gives a memorandum will not give it just for the sake of it or for fun. A memorandum expresses one's problems and difficulties, and therefore we must accept it with due respect."
He added, "The people of this state feel that the people of DK district are intelligent and aware of things, hence they have an idea that corruption is nil in this district. The officials and the elected representatives must see to it that corruption is removed from our system, if not fully, at least to the maximum level possible. Strict action will be taken against any official who tries to indulge in corruption."
He further directed the agricultural officials to distribute the compensation amount to the victims of areca crop loss.
Ministers Ramanath Rai, U T Khadar, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Abhaychandra Jain, principal secretary to the government for agriculture Bharatlal Meena and others were present.
'Moral policing will not be tolerated'
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Sep 29: Later in the day, a Congress party workers' meet was held at Rosario Church complex wherein chief minister Siddaramaiah said that moral policing will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against culprits.
"No one should take law into their hands, be it RSS, Sangh Parivar or Bajrang Dal. Moral policing will not be tolerated. I have strictly ordered the officials to take action against moral policing, hence there is no need to be afraid," he said.
Earlier, Janardhan Poojary urged chief minister Siddaramaiah to take action on various issues concerning the coastal region, especially Dakshina Kannada district.
Addressing the gathering, Poojary said, "The CM has taken bold steps to wipe the tears of the common people. He is a role model to everyone. We have so many problems in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, but we are confident that they will be solved. I urged the chief minister to provide protection to the minorities."
On the areca crop issue, he told the chief minister, "As a farmer, you would understand the pain of the farmers. They should not suffer during your regime. I urge you to provide a compensation of Rs 25,000 to each affected farmer, or if that is not possible, at least Rs 10,000."
He also raised concerns like provision of caste certificates to SC/STs, title deeds and provision to build houses for those own less than 10 cents of land, and other issues and said that union minister Oscar Fernandes would help the CM in solving these issues.
He also urged him to give more importance to party workers while forming committees. Minister for forests and district incharge Ramanath Rai urged compensation for Endosulfan victims.
Responding to the appeal, Siddaramaiah first apologized for being late to the programme by three hours as he had a packed schedule, and promised that he would discuss the issues in detail during his visit to Ullal on November 8.
He said he had already discussed the damage caused due to rain in the district and that he would speak to the health department with regard to compensation for Endosulfan victims, and to revenue and other departments concerned about caste certificates and title deeds.
He further said that Congress came to power due to the efforts of party workers, and importance would be given to them based on the recommendations of the regional Congress committees.
On the general elections coming up next year, he urged the party workers to work hard towards ensuring Congress victory. "Congress had lost Mangalore constituency last time. But now BJP has no power in Karnataka, and hence we should win here," he said.
He once again stressed that the Yettinahole project was not diversion of Netravati river but only provision of its water to other districts. "The project will be undertaken scientifically and there will no danger to Dakshina Kannada district," he assured.
Ministers Ramanath Rai, U T Khadar, Abhaychandra Jain, Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLAs Mohiuddin Bava, J R Lobo, Vasanth Bangera, Shakuntala Shetty, leaders Mohammed Masood, B A Mohideen, Ivan D'Souza and others were present.
The chief minister also initiated 'Vikalachethana Jana Jagruthi Abhiyana' with demonstration by Puttur Suresh Nayak on the occasion.