Moily flays coalition govt for neglecting North K'taka

Hubli, Sep 9 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Administration Reforms Commission Chairman M Veerappa Moily today accused the JD(S)-BJP coalition government for totally neglecting North Karnataka region.

Addressing a press conference here, he alleged that even the funds released by the Centre under various programmes were misutilised by the government. Not a single project, including drinking water project, irrigation projects and road construction were taken up, though the Centre was ready to assist, he added.

Even for releasing funds to the tune of Rs 2,200 crore as per Dr Nanjundappa Committee report on Regional Imbalance, there was only 'lip sympathy' from the coalition government, he added.

Mr Moily alleged that the government was busy with giving permission to mining lobbies but was not ready to even consider the proposal of Kudremukh Iron Ore Ltd, a public sector company, to take up mining, which could have fetched more money to the state exchequer.

He claimed that the state's treasury was full following about 60 per cent implementation of the report of tax reforms committee headed by him.

Replying to a question, Mr Moily said the Governor should not approve the proposed amendment to Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Act, which would be against the 73rd amendment of the Constitution.

He said Administration Reforms Committee had already submitted five reports to the Centre and were being considered for immediate implementation by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Commission would also be submitting another two reports in another fortnight, he added.

UNI