CM seeks Rs 1,000-crore for Bangalore's infrastructure

CM seeks Rs 1,000-crore for Bangalore's infrastructure
New Indian Express

NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday sought an additional allocation of Rs 500 crore from the centre for the much-needed infrastructure development in Bangalore.

He also sought the centre's approval for Karnataka to borrow Rs 500 crore from Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) for infrastructure development of Bangalore.

The Chief Minister made these pleas when he called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.

After the meeting with Singh, Kumaraswamy, who is here on his maiden visit after assuming power, told reporters that he has invited the Prime Minister to lay the foundation stone of Rs 23,000 crore ONGC petro chemical projects in Mangalore. He said the Prime Minister has agreed to give time next month.

The Chief Minister said he has also requested the Prime Minister to grant classical language status to Kannada as also lift the ban for Kalasa Banduri Nala irrigation project.

During his meeting with Finance Minister P Chidambaram, he said he has sought release of Rs 568 crore as VAT implementation matching grant to the State. He also urged the Finance Minister to release Rs 65 crore as debt relief to the State and assist in rejuvenation of tanks and old command area.

Kumaraswamy meeting with Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy centred around inclusion of Hubli-Dharwad and Hassan and Gulbarga cities under the National Urban Renewal Mission and the Chief Minister urged the centre to accord early clearance of these projects.