The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Thakur seeks MPs’ help for speedy clearance of projects

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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Thakur seeks MPs’ help for speedy clearance of projects

Special Correspondent

33 schemes came up for discussion at the meeting

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

Strategy meet: Governor Rameshwar Thakur with MPs from the State at a meeting called by him ahead of the budget session of Parliament, in Bangalore on Friday.

BANGALORE: Governor Rameshwar Thakur has called upon members of Parliament from the State to cooperate with the government in getting speedy Central clearance for its pending projects.

Mr. Thakur held a meeting with MPs on Friday and discussed proposals and issues pending with the Centre, proposed to be taken up in the budget session of Parliament, commencing on February 25. As many as 33 projects of six departments were discussed with MPs and top officials of the government.

Mr. Thakur said the Union Cabinet Secretary would review the proposals of the State on Wednesday with Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao and other senior officers. “I request the MPs to follow up these projects and ensure that the requirements of the State are met,” the Governor said.

As many as six power projects, nine infrastructure, 13 public works, one urban development, two commerce and industries, and two higher education projects were discussed at the meeting that lasted for more than four hours.

As the Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli would commence operations in April, road connectivity projects came up for discussion. The construction of a second runway at the airport also figured in it.

Proposals with regard to establishment of an IIT in Hassan and setting up of a Central university in Gulbarga was discussed.

The Centre has finalised the IIT proposal of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. Though the Planning Commission has supported an IIT in the State, the Centre has to provide a favourable response.

The Centre has also not yet cleared the Central university proposal submitted by the State.

The Governor said: “it is an established practice to hold such meetings with MPs prior to the commencement of Parliament session. It assumes special significance this year because the State is under President’s Rule. Hence, each one of us has a great responsibility to bear in the administration of our State.”

Manmohan’s visit

Mr. Thakur noted that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his visit to the State in August last year, made a review of the agricultural sector, and Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram reviewed certain import investment proposals, which required inter-ministerial coordination in Delhi and follow-up by the State government. “We have been regularly monitoring the decisions taken at that review meeting and have also proposed several follow-up projects,” the Governor pointed out.

An agenda note highlighting the projects was circulated to the members. Stating that it was his endeavour to provide an efficient, responsive and accountable government during President’s Rule, Mr. Thakur said two days ago he held a meeting with deputy commissioners and told them to convey the message of clean and good administration to all. Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekharan; Union Minister of State for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways K.H. Muniyappa; the former Union Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar, B.K. Hariprasad, Tejaswini Sriramesh Gowda, Suresh Angadi, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jigajinagi, all MPs, attended the meet.

The three advisers to the Governor, Mr. Sudhakar Rao, and heads of various departments attended the meeting.

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