Agriculture department is fully equipped with seeds, fertilizer, medicine
BENGALURU:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the state government is capable of dealing with all the problems.
He was speaking to the media persons here today.
Monsoon has started in the state and rains are expected to become more widespread. Sowing has already started in some places. He said that there is a problem of drinking water in some places and he has already called a meeting with the District Commissioners and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers twice and given instructions.
CM said that Government is all set for sowing whenever it rains, the agriculture department has a ready stock of seeds, fertilizers and medicines.
In a discussion held yesterday with representatives of small scale industries and Kassia, the CM said that the representatives have expressed their problems. He said that he has promised to review this after the budget presentation. Electricity tax for nine months has been levied for industries. The industrialists said that this has burdened them. Rate revision did not happen during our government. It was done during the previous BJP government. K.E. RC revises the rate every year. KERC is an autonomous organization, and our government has nothing to do with the rate hike, he said.
The Chief Minister also said that he will speak to the concerned about the proposal regarding the increase in milk price.
Central government is anti poor
As already mentioned, the central government has refused to give rice because it would disturb the program of the poor. They have of tons of rice. They say that they will auction to private organizations, but not to states. They are not willing to give rice despite the fact that we are paying for it. 1 kg of rice can be obtained at a cost of Rs. 36.70.
A discussion will be held today at 3.00 PM and a decision will be made regarding the quantity and the price. Tender should be called to procure rice in the open market. Distribution of maize and ragi can be done upto 6 months. Even if we distribute 2 kgs, another 3 kg of rice is required. He said that there is not enough maize and ragi to supply for the whole year. Those who practice hate politics should be termed anti-poor, he said.
No moral right to protest: Responding to former CM B.S Yediyurappa’s statement that he will stage a protest if rice is not provided, the CM said “ he is free to stage a dharna. but what moral right does he have” the CM questioned.
Procurement of Rice : Talks with government agencies today
Out of the five guarantee schemes, one scheme has already been launched. The free electricity scheme will be implemented from July 1. Although there is an intention to provide rice, rice is not available. Even if it is availabe, they ask for a higher rate. 2.29 lakh metric tonnes are not available anywhere. Therefore we have asked for the price quotation from other government agencies like NCCF, Central Bhandar, NAFED, and negotiations have taken place.PTI
