Karnataka will soon have a working group to ensure timely clearances for the Central projects.
Announcing his plan to constitute the working group to address the inordinate delay in implementation of projects, Basavaraj Bommai, who is on his maiden visit to Delhi after taking charge as the chief minister, met the Central party leaders, ministers and Karnataka MPs, on Friday.
"The working group will be headed by ACS development commissioner in Bengaluru as various projects under the different departments are seeking clearances separately. There is a need for a coordinated effort, time-bound approach to avoid duplication and secure clearances from concerned ministries. The working group will work in tandem with the MPs' Forum and the Karnataka Bhavan Commissionerate. For instance, our interstate water dispute will need higher level officials to deal with it."
Bommai, who met all the five Union ministers from the state, said he intended to lead a joint delegation of all 28 Lok Sabha and 12 Rajya Sabha MPs from Karnataka to make representations from time to time to the Centre and the concerned minister to expedite the central projects concerning the state.
The state is awaiting numerous approvals and sanctions for projects stuck in interstate river water disputes related to Mahadayi, Krishna and Cauvery rivers. Bommai met Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to seek speedy clearance of the pending projects.
"The Mekedatu drinking water and hydel project is awaiting the CWC approval. The clearance for the Upper Krishna Project is awaiting Centre's clearance as the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-2 order is now before the Supreme Court. The Union cabinet approval is needed to grant the status of National Project to Upper Bhadra Project. The Kalasa-Banduri nala project (Mahadayi) needs the central clearance too. I discussed the state projects with our MPs as it will need regular meetings, follow-up, finances and effective implementation," added Bommai.
CM meets PM
Bommai, who called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, said, "The prime minister advised me to take all decisions and actions directed towards ensuring clean and good governance. After I apprised him of the flood situation, the PM has assured to extend all help for the betterment of Karnataka."
Briefing the media about his meeting with Shah, the chief minister said, "He told me it was testing times for me and I had to raise to the occasion. I assured them I would work round the clock to fulfil their expectations. He asked me to ensure coordination between the party and the government and also work hard to strengthen the party for the upcoming zilla, taluk and assembly elections. Karnataka will focus on effective implementation of the well-thought-out central schemes of Modi ji aimed at the poor, farmers and rural people."
Cabinet expansion
When asked about the cabinet expansion, Bommai said, I have explained to the party leadership about the urgency and the necessity for cabinet expansion at the earliest as the state is facing floods and COVID-19 pandemic. I am confident of getting a green signal from the leadership today."
