Ktk seeks Rs 4329.40 central assistance

Bangalore, Feb 11 (PTI) The Karnataka Government todayrequested the Centre to extend Rs 4329.40 crore financial aidto transform Belgaum into the ''City of the Decade 2011-2021.''

"The project envisaged by the state proposes to providecitizens a safe and sustainable environment, withstate-of-the-art infrastructure, service delivery,connectivity, and economic well-being, supported by anefficient governance framework," Chief Minister B SYeddyurappa said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

To achieve the desired results in consonance with theMission statement,the state government has prepared a detailed"City Development Strategy and Investment Plan for BelgaumCity" , he said.

Total investments estimated for development infrastructurewould be around Rs 4329.40 crore, he said and urged the PrimeMinister to include the project in the ensuing budget as aspecial project.

Karnataka Government would be willing to bear 10 per centof the cost as per Government of India guidelines, he said.

"I shall be thankful if you could kindly issue directionsto the Union Urban Development Ministry to incorporate thisproject on priority to commemorate visit of Mahatma Gandhi toBelgaum City for the 39th Annual Session of the Congress andhope our request is considered favourably", he said.

The Karnataka Government is organising the second WorldKannada literary conference in Belgaum next month.