Dharam's plans for 2005

I want a vibrant Karnataka
Chief minister N. Dharam Singh is ready to take off. He is putting a firm foot forward into Year 2005, charting the course for the months ahead. He gives us a peek preview into his bag of ideas.

The TImes of India

My vision for 2005 is to see an economically vibrant Karnataka with an endeavour to promote urban and rural employment, boost agriculture, strengthen infrastructure and ensure common man’s access to quality education and health.

MY PLANS FOR 2005

Infrastructure: I want to improve connectivity within the state. For this, work on the Rs 2,000-crore KSHIP project will be expedited. Under this, 750 km of road will be laid and 500 km will be completed this year. The entire stretch of 2,300 km will be ready by December 2006. In Bangalore, we have started 11 projects at a cost of Rs 195 crore, executed by the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike. Likewise, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will commence work on the recently approved Rs 390-crore integrated Hi-Tech City project. Work on the Rs 360-crore elevated roads connecting Central Silk Board Circle to Electronics City on Hosur Road will be completed. Work on the long-awaited Bangalore International Airport will commence. The proposed Metro Rail will substantially decongest Bangalore roads. Apart from this, the BDA is constructing four more flyovers at a cost of Rs 105 crore.

Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel will visit Bangalore on January 24 to sign agreements to commence new airports at Hassan, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad and Gulbarga and a second runway at Mangalore airport. A Rs 3,400-crore BWSSB project funded by the Japanese Bank of International Corporation to provide 510 mld of water will be signed in early 2005.

Bangalore is on the international map with dignitaries from Russia and Malaysia visiting it.

Power: An MoU has been signed between ONGC, KIADB and the Canara Chamber of Commerce and Industry to boost industrial and economic growth in the coastal region through accelerated development of the Special Economic Zone at Mangalore. The investment planned by ONGC is Rs 23,500 crore and Rs 10,000 crore with the Power Grid Authority of India.

Health: I have plans to contain HIV, a cause of serious concern in Bagalkot, Bijapur, Belgaum, Raichur and Bellary districts, where the Devadasi system is still prevalent. Industries: I feel small-scale and tiny industries need a fresh impetus as these industries have the potential to provide long-term employment to skilled and semi-skilled persons. Khadi, coir, leather-based industries, handlooms and handicrafts will be given a special push.

Besides, the mid-day meal programme for schoolchildren will be streamlined, the focus will be on social welfare sector and adequate budgetary provision for women’s empowerment.