Oppn. stage dharna in Karnataka Assembly

Bangalore, Aug 7 (UNI) Opposition Congress today staged a dharna in Karnataka Assembly pressing for setting up of a House Committee or a probe by the CBI into the alleged irregularities in the implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission to modernise four major valleys in the city.

The members, led by the Opposition leader Dharam Singh trooped into the well of the house when Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy rejected both the demands.

Mr Kumaraswamy said the government had noticed some discrepancies in the implementation of the scheme and recovered Rs four crore from contractors. Stringent action would be taken against erring officials, he said rejecting the demand.

The Chief Minister clarified that though the scheme was involved a cost of Rs 643 crore, the progress made so far was only to the tune of Rs 168 crore. 12 works were involved in the package and tender notification was issued in 2003. Work was taken up following a decision taken by the Bangalore City Corporation in 2004-2005, after consulting elected representatives. The government had paid only Rs 138 crore so far, he clarified.

Since Lokayukta was inquiring into the alleged irregularities, there was no need for an inquiry by CBI. Besides the coalition government was not responsible for the decisions taken earlier, he pointed out.

Amidst dharna Deputy Speaker N Y Gopala Krishna adjourned the house sine die.

UNI