Hello CM: DD's novel initiative evokes good response

Bangalore, Apr 29 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today took part in a live TV programme, 'Hello CM' and answered a volley of questions from the public from every nook and corner of the state on various issues.

The unique programme was designed by Doordarshan's Bangalore Kendra to enable viewers to interact with the Chief Minister over phone. It also allowed a select audience, besides mediapersons, to attend the programme at its station here.

The two-hour programme was telecast in DD's Chandana Channel and terrestrial network from 1600 hrs.

Questions poured in from diverse viewers, comprising professionals, farmers, women and disabled people, from all parts of the state, including Panaje, a remote village in Dakshina Kannada bordering Kerala and Pavagada taluk in Tumkur district, bordering Andhra Pradesh.

The questions pertained to various issues including development of backward Hyderabad-Karnataka region, land grabbing, Common Entrance Test, OBC quota in professional colleges, widow pension, reservation for physically challenged people in government jobs and farm loans.

The programme was conducted by Doordarshan Bangalore Kendra Director Mahesh Joshi and vernacular weekly 'Karmaveera' editor Babu Krishnamurthy.

Mr Kumaraswamy appreciated Doordarshan for coming up with such pro-people programme. It served as a better platform to know the pulse of the people and solve their problems, he said.

He readily agreed when one of the participants suggested that the Chief Minister could extend his weekly 'Janatha Darshan' programme to the districts and taluks.

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