K'taka Govt to increase pension to handicapped, widows

Mandya, Karnataka, Oct 26 (UNI) The Karnataka Government will increase the pension of physically-challenged people and young widows to Rs 500 from the present Rs 200, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced today.

Speaking after receiving memoranda from the public at Bevukallu Koppalu village in the district, he said the Government was committed on this issue and priority would be given to uplift of destitute women.

Dismissing criticism by the Opposition Congress regarding his village stays, Mr Kumaraswamy said he had undertaken 12 such village stays and would continue to do so. Till the villages were developed, he would not desist from undertaking such tours, he added.

With regard to revival of Mysugar factory here, he said he would not allow its closure at any cost. A sum of Rs 45 crore had been released to ensure its revival, he added, assuring to release an additional Rs ten crore for the purpose.

Later inaugurating the State-level youth festival at Kelara village in the district, the Chief Minister announced that the number of State-level youth awards would be increased to 15 from ten every year and awards to youth associations would be increased to four from two. Cash awards to youths would be increased to Rs 10,000 from Rs 5,000 and for associations to Rs 50,000 from Rs 25,000.

Declining to comment about his son's alleged involvement in creating a ruckus at a hotel in Bangalore, he said he did not know what had happened and would reply in Bangalore after ascertaining the facts.

Mr Kumaraswamy took part in various development works valued at Rs 230 crore in the district.

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