BSY stresses on removing regional imbalance

{image-B S Yediyurappa_15082008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Bangalore, Aug 15: To ensure equitable development and remove regional imbalance, state government was working to evolve 'Karnataka 2020' a blue print for comprehensive development of the State, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said on Friday, Aug 15. Speaking after unfurling the national tri-colour on the occasion of the nation's 61st Independence Day celebration in a function organised at the General Manek Shaw Parade ground, amidst unprecedented security, he pledged to work hard to bring Karnataka to the forefront for the development of the country.

Mr Yeddyurappa while thanking the people, who have voted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power for the first time in Karantaka and also in south India in the assembly elections, said the priority of his government was to bring Karnataka on the trajectory of the development and ensure its fruits reach all sections of the society.

Outlining his government's focus of development, the Chief Minister said public health, agriculture, power, education and removal of regional imbalance and empowering the section of poor, women and farmers will get prime place in his government's agenda of development.

The government has set a target to double the generation of power in next five years. The state will get an additional generation capacity of 1000 MW this year, while efforts were on to set-up 2000 MW thermal station in Chattisgarh, he added.

He said since the Central Government failed to supply the adequate quantity of fertilisers to the state, the government had released Rs 150 crore to procure fertilisers from open market and distribute it to farmers. The state would amend 'Universities Act' for the establishment of private universities. WIPRO has come forward to set-up a University, he added.

Announcing a 'crackdown' on illegal mining, which was rampant in the state, the Chief Minister said the state was getting only Rs 80 crore as royalty against exports of over Rs 8,000 crore ironore. The new government has not issued any fresh licence for mining. It stopped mining activity in 36 areas as directed by the Karnataka High Court.

The government was also planning to set up a special vigilance squad to prevent illegal mining in the state, he said.

To give impetus to the industrial development in the state, a new industrial policy was being formulated.

It planned to host a world investors meet in January 2009 to attract capital into Karnataka.

The state government had also decided to commission a 'Vision Group' comprising experts in the field to guide the state government on industrial development, he said.

Emphasising the need to confer 'Classical Status' on Kannada, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Union Government will take a positive decision on the long pending issue.

He also called upon the youths to remember the struggle and sacrifices made by hundreds and thousands of leaders for the cause of attaining freedom and emulate their values and principles in their daily life.

Elaborate security arrangements were made to ensure the peaceful celebrations of the Independence Day in the backdrop of the serial bomb blasts which had rocked the IT capital on Friday, July 25 this year.

Top police and civil officials and military personnel also attended the celebration.

UNI