Karnataka: Hassan district in-charge minister Manju, HD Revanna lock horns
BENGALURU: Local politics and bitter rivalry between Hassan district in-charge minister Mr A Manju and former minister Mr H D Revanna were out in the open as the two leaders traded charges on the issue of handing over ex-gratia cheque to the next of kin of a soldier who died in Jammu and Kashmir last week.
Mr Revanna moved breach of privilege notice against a local official, Mr Shivashankar, for not inviting him when the ex-gratia cheque was handed over to the next of kin of the soldier but an event attended by Mr Manju.
Mr D P Sandeep Kumar of Devihalli, who was serving in Jammu and Kashmir was among those buried alive by an avalanche on January 25, 2017. Moving the notice of breach of privilege, Mr Revanna told the Legislative Assembly the district administration had not brought to his notice about government decision to announce Rs 25 lakhs as ex-gratia. compensation.
Call to demolish schools
Primary and secondary education minister Tanveer Sait said on Wednesday that as many as 36000 classrooms of the total 2, 41, 000 classrooms were in dilapidated condition, and should be demolished in the interest of safety of students.
Replying to a discussion on condition of government schools, he said while 36000 classrooms ought to be demolished, another 30000 classrooms required minor repairs. Meanwhile, the government had has received proposals for construction of 19000 new classrooms.
Akrama deadline extended to February 27
Revenue minister Kagodu Thimmappa informed the Legislative Council about the state government’s decision to extend the deadline for submission of applications under Akrama –Sakrama scheme to February 27. Thimmappa said possession certificates would be distributed after verification of all applications.
New reserve forest zone
Minister for forests, B. Ramanath Rai, informed the Legislative Council on Wednesday the government will take a decision to declare Kappathagudda in Gadag district as reserve forest zone.
Replying to Congress member V.S.Ugrappa ‘s question, the minister said Wildlife Board would take this decision after the additional chief secretary submits his report.
Power disconnection due to drought
An acute drought has forced the state government to contemplate disconnection of power supply to irrigation pump sets.
During question hour on Wednesday, Speaker Mr K B Koliwad directed RDPR minister Mr H K Patil to coordinate with ESCOMS to ensure that power was disconnected so that even water from private suppliers could be diverted for drinking purpose.
Mr Patil admitted that the situation was grave and the government was trying to procure water from all available sources. ''There is no water in rivers, dams or tanks. Even bore wells, which are yielding water today, may go dry tomorrow.
The government is tapping all sources, including private wells and borewells,'' he said in response to BJP member Mr Govind Karjola's question.
