HASSAN: While the Janata Dal (Secular) is claiming credit for the conduct of agricultural, health and job melas in the district, the Congress has dubbed it as an "image-building exercise" of the Karnataka Development Front Government.

The melas organised recently by the district administration at the instance of district in-charge and Public Works Minister H.D. Revanna was a mere "image-building exercise," the former Minister for Information B. Shivaram told presspersons here on Friday.

The purpose of conducting the "melas" was to inform the people of the programmes envisaged for their welfare. But the goal had not been achieved since the Government had failed in implementing the promises made to farmers, he alleged.

Mr. Shivaram said that the farmers in the district were facing problems owing to drought and excess rain and the Government had failed in settling crop insurance claims for 2005-06.

Despite the Union Government releasing Rs. 4 crore for relief operations, the State Government was yet to chalk out a programme to utilise that fun, he alleged. Although it had announced a subsidy for farmers for purchase of tractors and tillers, the Government was yet to accord it financial sanction.

Mr. Shivaram wondered whether the Government had any moral right to conduct a health mela.

It had failed in initiating action against those who had misused the Yeshaswini scheme launched by the Congress Government, he alleged.

There were no doctors in at least 56 Primary Health Centres in the district. Instead of addressing these problems , the Government was conducting melas, he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail