BELLAD BAGEWADI (BELGAUM DISTRICT): Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has promised that the Janata Dal (Secular)-BJP Government will take steps to establish a mini Vidhana Soudha in Belgaum and name it after Kittur Rani Chennamma to enable the Government to hold legislature session in the city to address issues specific to north Karnataka.

Mr. Kumaraswamy, who had promised to explore the possibility of opening a mini Vidhana Soudha in Belgaum, here on Saturday, made the announcement that steps would be taken to construct the structure. He was speaking at the inauguration of Vishwanath Sugars Ltd. here.

Mr. Kumaraswamy, who inaugurated the sugar factory, said his Government is concerned about the issues and problems faced by the people of north Karnataka in general and Belgaum in particular.

Therefore, the Government had decided to accord priority to the district while planning development works in the State.

He said that though he had no experience as an administrator, he had a feel of the issues and problems confronting people in rural areas, particularly farmers. Water was a major requirement and, therefore, the Government had allocated Rs. 50 crore to recharge the groundwater table in different parts of the State.

Dues

Responding to questions raised by farmers, the Chief Minister promised to take steps to revive all sick sugar factories in the State. He also promised to ensure that the dues owed to farmers by the Raibag sugar factory are cleared at the earliest.

Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa reiterated the proposals made in his budget presentation.

He asked the people of the State not to compare the performance of the coalition Government with previous regimes. The Government is committed to improve the lot of rural masses, particularly farmers, he added. "Give us four or five months and you will start seeing the results," he said.

Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Basavaraj S. Horatti, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Govind Karjol and Social Welfare Minister Balchandra Jarkiholi spoke. Vishwanath Sugars Ltd. chairman and former Minister Umesh Katti welcomed the gathering.

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