Bengaluru, Apr 13: Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday said the COVID-19 situation has thrown the state into a deep financial trouble and there is a need to to find ways to overcome the present crisis, as he announced certain measures aimed at resource mobalisation.
He said the state government was awaiting guidelines from the Centre regarding the implementation of lockdown during the next two weeks, and noted that discussions were on regarding relaxations on the sale of liquor and the decision will be taken after April 14.
Yediyurappa on Monday held a meeting with officials of various departments along with his cabinet colleagues and the chief secretary.
"The possible situation once the lockdown is released, was widely discussed in the meeting. Discussion was also held about the financial situation of the state government and how to mobilise resources. Many suggestions were given and it was decided to implement those suggestions," the Chief Minister said.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, "...the COVID-19 situation has thrown our state into deep financial trouble and there is a need to to find ways to overcome present financial crisis."
Yediyurappa said it was decided to speed up the disposal of cases related to regularisation of unauthorised constructions which are pending before the High Court and Supreme Court, during the meeting.
"If the court decides the matter, thousands of people who own unauthorised houses will be relieved," he said, adding that this will also help government in mobilising resources for fund starved development works.
He said in addition to this the government is planning to auction more than 12,000 corner sites lying idle in Bengaluru, and it was also decided to allow auction of corner and vacant sites in respective urban development authorities across the state.
"By auction of corner sites in Bengaluru, we plan to mobalise about Rs 14,000-15,000 crore. BDA is preparing for it, only if we get good market value we will sell or else no," he added.
It was also decided to amend the law governing permission to allow sites in private and co-operative housing societies, the Chief Minister further said, adding that hundreds of societies were waiting for approval from government for releasing the sites.
Yediyurappa said it was decided to use Rs 1,000 crore available in Rajiv Gandhi Health University to upgrade medical college hospitals.
It was also decided to distribute free milk to slums and poor for one more week, the Chief Minister said while appealing to sugar factory owners to clear the pending payment to the tune of Rs 2,834 crore to farmers in 11 districts.
The government has also released Rs 45 crore compensation for the loss of paddy crop in Raichur and Koppal District due to hailstorm based on report submitted by Deputy Commissioners, he added.
Responding to a question, Yediyurappa said, still no guidelines have come from the Centre on lockdown implementation for next two weeks, we are waiting for it.
Once the guidelines come it will help us to speed up the process of lockdown, and also relaxations if any.
Asked what plans does the government have if states are asked to decide on relaxation, he said, already Prime Minister has said that guidelines will be given, if they say on certain matters states can take decision, we will decide on what needs to be done to improve the state's economy.
To a question on relaxation on sale of liquor through Mysore Sales International Ltd (MSIL) outlets, he said, discussions are on, after April 14, we will take decision in this regard.
Comments
The biggest weapon of RSS is spreading lies and hatred. Who can stop that N Bomb?
Oh this big mouth minister from Left, I being a person from Kerala really know truth. CPIM uses their offices and politcians house to store arms. CM Vijayan and this fellow wanted to have special darshan tickets in Sabarimala and when it was shot down.... all this stories
Raid all mosques, churches and temples and check for arms
Bamboo Sticks/ Lathis are not Weapons. Donot get Bogged down. They cannot use weapons to hurt. They just open their mouth and shout
Time for Hindus to take back Kerala and Kashmir.
Chief Minister should order police raids on these arm stores and recover the arms, and install CCTV cameras to monitor the activities round the clock. CM needs to substantiate his allegations with proof. I fully agree with his view that no religious ceremony should take place during any official function, it has no place in secular democracy. Our constitution gives every citizen right to practice religion of his or her choice freely but not at state level. State has no religion.
Here is a Minister for Temples Administration. He defines a temple as a centre for traditions and beliefs. Sorry Comrade , a temple is a place for worship of God. If it is only a place of tradition and faith, there is the danger of it being appropriated by the communist Party, which has both tradition and faith. No temple in Kerala will allow storing of weapons within, may be in its offices or quarters of staff. Is it a plan for the commies to violate the sanctity of the temples?
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