MAKING A POINT: G. Narayana, writer, is all ears as Kannada and Culture Secretary I.M. Vittal Murthy (left) talks to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (right) at the 41st anniversary celebrations of Udayabhanu Kala Sangha in Bangalore on Sunday. — ; Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

BANGALORE: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday warned officials of stringent action if they were found to be slack in performing their duties.

Speaking after launching the three-year action plan and 41st anniversary celebrations of Udayabhanu Kala Sangha at Kempe Gowda Nagar here, the Chief Minister said he would start monitoring the officials' performance from next month.

"I will start the exercise from the secretary level in my office. I have realised that the implementation of many of the pro-people programmes planned by the Government is getting delayed because the officials are wasting time in discussions and meetings," he said.

Pointing out that the exercise was necessary to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, Mr. Kumaraswamy said: "I did not want to take it up in April-May as the transfer season was on."

"During the Janata darshan, I realised the problems faced by the poor. Official apathy and dereliction of duty will not be tolerated. This is a warning to officials," he said.

Reiterating that he never desired to enter politics, Mr. Kumaraswamy said: "I entered politics by chance and also got an opportunity to head the Government. I assure you all that I will not betray the poor."

Expressing concern over allotment of several acres of land worth crores of rupees to a "private company in the name of road development," the Chief Minister said: "I do not want to comment on this. But I feel, our farmers have been betrayed."

Responding to the organisers' plea, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he would do his best to ensure the development of Kannada and culture in the State.

"The cultural mela planned to be organised in the surroundings of the Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha and Udyog Soudha will become a reality soon. The Government will strive to protect and preserve the monuments built during the period of Kempe Gowda, the city's founder," he said.

In his address, G. Narayana, writer, urged the Government to celebrate Kempe Gowda Day on a grand scale like the Dasara festivities in Mysore.

He suggested that all monuments, including temples and buildings, built during Kempe Gowda's time should be protected and preserved.

Lauding the services of Udayabhanu Kala Sangha, Mr. Narayana suggested that the State Government should monitor the activities of all social and cultural organisations before extending financial assistance.

"I suggest that you nominate a representative in every organisation to supervise the use of Government aid," he said.

Kannada and Culture Secretary I.M. Vittal Murthy, freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy and Kempe Gowda Nagar corporator Geeta Sadashiva spoke.

Earlier, sangha president N.R. Chandran and secretary M. Narasimha appealed to the Chief Minister to enhance grants to the sangha for the construction of the proposed Kala Bhavan.

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