Shivakumar to unveil ₹1,775.41 crore projects at Kalyana Karnataka Utsav

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will launch development projects worth ₹1,775.41 crore across the seven districts of Kalyana Karnataka during a two-day visit to Kalaburagi for the Kalyana Karnataka Utsav, Home, IT-BT and e-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge said on September 16.

Mr. Kharge, who is the minister in charge of Kalaburagi district, briefed reporters at the Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House. He said the Chief Minister would hoist the national flag and address the gathering at the Police Parade Ground on September 17.

According to the Minister, Mr. Shivakumar will begin the day by paying floral tributes to the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at S.V.P. Circle at 8.30 a.m. before heading to the Parade Ground for the flag-hoisting and the utsav.

The project package comprises foundation-laying for 557 projects estimated at ₹1,071.56 crore and the inauguration of 244 completed projects built at a cost of ₹703.85 crore.

Drought decision after two weeks

On the drought question, Mr. Kharge said Karnataka can declare a drought only in line with the guidelines of the National Disaster Response Fund, which functions under the Union Government. He said BJP leaders protesting in the State for drought relief should instead press their own party-led government in Delhi to simplify the NDRF norms, adding that the State has repeatedly sought such simplification without a response. The government will monitor rainfall for another two weeks, collect district reports and then decide on further action, he said.

Mr. Kharge recalled the farm loan waiver announced by the UPA government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and urged the BJP-led Union Government to waive farm loans and extend relief to drought-hit farmers.

Vande Mataram row

On the rendition of 'Vande Mataram', the Minister said the BJP was using the issue to divert attention from problems such as drought and unemployment. He said the question of how many stanzas should be sung was settled long ago in consultation with national leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Rabindranath Tagore.

GESCOM Chairperson Praveen Patil Harawal and Legislative Council member Tippannappa Kamaknur were among those present at the press conference.