Karnataka CM comes down heavily on the functioning of IAS officers

Bangalore, May 10 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today came down heavily on the functioning of IAS officers stating that they were not aware of the reality prevailing in the field.

Speaking after presenting Karnataka Media Academy Awards for 2006 here, he said that "IAS officials don't know the ground reality but make the rules which invariably affects the poor and downtrodden irrespective of caste." Citing an example, he said that the Forest Act 1978 has thrown out number of families to the streets alleging that they have encroached the forest land. "But the fact was that they had inherited the land from their ancestors for hundreds of years. The IAS officers who draft the act have not taken into account the problems that may arise before making a law." Earlier, Mr Kumaraswamy presented Life Achievement Award to Mr Raj Chengappa of India Today.

The Chief Minister also presented Academy's Honorary Awards to 15 veteran journalists, 2006 Award for 11 veteran as well as upcoming Journalists besides sponsored Awards.

UNI