Bengaluru, Jun 29 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said the state government would continue the Minimum Support Price (MSP) support extended to mango growers like last year.
He also announced measures to tackle the emerging drought situation by deploying ministers and senior officials across districts.
Addressing a press conference here, Shivakumar said the government had already written to the Centre regarding the concerns of mango growers and would continue the assistance provided last year.
“Just as we extended assistance to mango growers last year, we will continue the same support this year. The Minimum Support Price that was provided last year will continue this year as well,” he said.
On the drought situation, the chief
minister said ministers had been assigned responsibility for districts and senior bureaucrats would also undertake field visits after the Cabinet meeting.
“I have already assigned two or three ministers to each district. They will tour their respective districts. I have spoken to the officers and instructed all the Deputy Commissioners. After the Cabinet meeting, all Secretaries will also compulsorily visit the districts,” he said.
Shivakumar said the officials would create awareness among the public and coordinate with local authorities on issues affecting people.
Responding to questions on drinking water shortages reported from some parts of the state, he said adequate funds had already been released to district administrations.
“We have already released sufficient funds to the district authorities to address water-related issues,” he said.
Asked whether the government was considering cloud seeding in view of deficient rainfall forecast, Shivakumar said it was premature to take a call.
“We can discuss cloud seeding later. Not now. Let us first hope for good rainfall,” he said.
He added that the concern over rainfall was not confined to Karnataka, but for the entire country.
On the proposed Cabinet expansion, Shivakumar declined to specify a timeline, saying the matter would be decided after the Cabinet meeting.
When asked repeatedly about the delay in expanding the ministry, he said, “I have no interest in wasting even a single day. I am waiting for the appropriate time.” Responding to a question on whether the government would maintain its current pace of functioning over the next two years, Shivakumar said responsibilities had been decentralised among ministers.
“I have assigned two or three districts to each minister. They are all attending to their responsibilities. I don’t want them to waste time,” he said. PTI GMS KH
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