Karnataka Assembly passes Appropriation Bill

Bangalore, Jul 30 (UNI) Karnataka Legislative Assembly today passed the Appropriation Bill to an amount not exceeding 52,173,10.62 crore by voice vote for the year 2007-08 even as opposition Congress members staged a walk out protesting against the 'government's failure' to implement welfare measures for the people.

Replying to a general discussion pertaining to Finance Department, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said he was happy that both Finance and Excise departments had become 'scandal free' after he took over following formation of a coalition set up in 2005.

He said over 56 lakh people had been benefited by the government's various schemes, he added saying it comprised, among others loan waiver (17 lakh farmers), Sandya Suraksha, old age pension for those who had crossed 65 years (seven lakhs) and government employees following wage revision (11 lakh).

He said the government had earmarked Rs 1571 crore for removal of regional imbalance in North Karnataka region. Ban on single digit lottery business and sale of arrack had brought relief to lakhs of working class families, he felt.

UNI