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March of Karnataka MARCH 2013 Annual Subscription ` 50.00 only Karnataka Budget 2013-14 Highlights
March ofKarnatakaMARCH 2013
Annual Subscription ` 50.00 only
Karnataka Budget 2013-14
Highlights
Chief Minister Sri Jagadish Shettar greets new Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskara Rao after taking
oath in Rajbhavan.
KarnatakaVolume-50 Issue-3 Page-28 Mar. 2013
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Pick A Pearl26
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Cover Story
Basaveshwara Statue
in London
18C V Raghavendrarao
22
Karnataka Budget
Highlights
2013-14
Cultural Heritage
of Karnataka
HONNEMARADU
“A dream destination
for adventure sports”
B M Chandrasekharaiah
Excerpt from the speech
of honourable governor
made to joint session of
Karnataka legislature
Editor- in -Chief
N R Vishukumar
Editorial Advisory Panel
N BhrungeeshK Gopala Gowda
Editor
T C Jagadamba
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Karnataka
Wins Millions Hearts!24D P Muralidhar
Budget size Rs 1,17,005 crore.
Agricultural Budget size Rs. 22,310 crore.
State Plan size Rs. 46,450 crore.
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State Economy
State’s economy is satisfactory and the Fiscal position of the State has been sound during the last 5 years
• Likely growth of state’s economy at 5.9%. Service sector growth by 8.9%. Growth in agriculture and allied sectors is 1.8%. Estimated growth rate of Industrial sector is 2.4%. Composition of GSDP for 2012-13 is 15.32% from Agriculture and allied activities sector, 25.91% from Industry sector and 58.76 % from service sector. • Revenue surplus maintained since 2008-2009. • Fiscal deficit within 3% of the GSDP or
Karnataka Budget 2013-14
HIGHLIGHTS
the limits prescribed by the Central Government. • Ratio of Interest payment to Revenue receipts is maintained within 10% that is within the limit of 15% and Ratio of Public Debt to the GSDP is within 25% limit as prescribed by the 13th Finance Commission. • More than two fold increase in State plan size from Rs.17227 crore in 2007-08 to Rs.42030 crore during current year resulting in higher per capita plan size with per capita plan expenditure of Rs.6810. • Capital expenditure at Rs.14455 crore in the current year, which is an increase in 67% compared to 2007-08. Plan Achievement-Financial Year 2012-13.
Chief Minister Sri Jadadish Shettar presented Karnataka State’s annual budget for 2013-14 on 8th Feb, 2013
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• State Plan size set at Rs. 42030 crore during 2012-13, the first year of the 12th Five Year Plan along with additional plan funding of Rs.7437 crore in first two supplementary estimates. • 9.5% Increase in expenditure than the previous year.
12th Five Year Plan
• 12th Five Year Plan outlay for Karnataka is Rs. 2,55,250 crore as endorsed by the National Development Council in December 2012, which is 87% higher than the 11th Five Year Plan expenditure at current price of Rs.1,36,052 crore. • The per capita plan outlay of Karnataka at Rs. 6,231 in 2011-12 is the highest among major States
Agriculture
• 125 lakh tons of food grains production estimated during 2012-13, it is higher than production of 118.83 lakh tons last year (2011-12).
• The share of the agricultural sector became 15.3 % of the Gross State Domestic Product during 2012-13; the rate of growth of agriculture sector increased to 1.8% during 2012-13 from (-) 2.2% in 2011-12 thus increasing by 4% on year to year basis, inspite of drought. • Designed for the first time in the country, Bhoochetana Yojane implemented from the year 2009-10 in
collaboration with ICRISAT and received wide appreciation. During 2012-13 sowing in 164 lakh acres; yield increase varying from 21 percent to 43 percent in 16 crops achieved. • Rs. 586 crore spent for distribution of 35 lakh quintals of seeds to 1.35 crore farmers during the last 4 years. Distribution of seeds to 23 lakh farmers at an expenditure of Rs.113 crore. • Formation of one organic farmers group in every taluk; grant of Rs.100 crore towards subsidy to 1.10 lakh farmers for adoption of organic farming in an area of 4.46 lakh acres.
Energy
Rs. 10831 is provided for the energy sector
• Capital investment by Government in KPCL and ESCOMs at Rs.4175 crore after 2008-09. • Increase in installed capacity from 8660 MW during 08-09 to 13,504MW. • Increase in daily peak energy supply from 138 million units during 2008-09. per day to 190 million units. • Purchase of 26,236 million units both from outside the State and private producers during last 5 years. • Strengthening of transmission and distribution systems by setting up of 300 sub-stations and laying of 5196 kms of transmission lines, thereby reducing transmission loss by 4% and total technical and commercial losses from 23.17% to 20.18%.
A view of visitors gallary
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• Investment of Rs.14,751 crore in power sector for capital works. Implementation of Niranthara Jyothi Scheme for supply of power to irrigation pump sets in rural areas. • Energy conservation measures undertaken are distribution of 37 lakh CFL bulbs in Bangalore and Kolar Districts, installation of 283 higher efficiency irrigation pump sets at Doddaballapura Taluk as pilot project, commissioning of renewable energy projects of 1913 MWs since 2008-09 and allotment of 200 MW solar power to private entrepreneurs for effective utilisation. • Electrification of 8,897 drinking water supply schemes and 15000 Ganga Kalyana Irrigation Pump sets during 2012-13. Regularisation of 1.2 lakh of unauthorised irrigation pump sets during the last two years. • Continuation of scheme of regularising unauthorised pump sets of farmers in 2013-14 and distribution of CFL bulbs.
New Initiatives
• Implementation of High Voltage Distribution System in one division of each ESCOM for reduction of distribution losses. • Irrigation canal roof top solar energy system. • Establishment of centralised research lab for adoption of new technology and testing of energy meters. • Encouraging Energy conservation by setting up of green buildings.
Roads & Buildings
Outlay of Rs.5321 crores is provided for Public Works, Ports, and Inland Water Transport Department.
• Improvement of 8048 km of State Highways, 11,513 km of Major District Roads & 8601 km Rural Roads and 659 bridges during the last 5 years. • Upgradation of 662 kms State Highways of MDR and 769 km National Highways during the last 5 years. • KSHIP-II: Development of 616 kms of State Highways at an estimated cost of Rs. 1330 crore with assistance of Asian Development Bank– (i) Pavagada to Andhra Pradesh border and (ii) National Highway-13 Jagaluru to State Highway-19.
Infrastructure Railways
• Karnataka is the first State to bolster speedy implementation of Railway projects by contributing 50% of the cost. So far Rs. 1021 crores has been released as State share and Rs. 440 crores has been provided in 2013-14 budget as investment by the State. • Completion of Bangalore-Ramanagar railway lane doubling. • Completion of the works of Ramanagar-Channapatna and Mysore-Naganahalli railway lane doubling. • Release of Rs. 193 crore for new railway lane between Bidar and Gulbarga.
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• Other Infrastructure: (a) Completion of Dhabhol Bangalore Gas Line during the current year. (b) Commencement of Construction of Bangalore International Convention Centre near Bangalore International Airport. • Pre-feasibility study of Chennai-Bangalore-Mysore High Speed Rail Project and preparation of comprehensive. • project report of Kasaragod-Mangalore-Udupi High Speed Rail and Bangalore–Hubli–Belgaum High Speed Rail Project proposed. • 600 acres and 370 acres of land handed over to undertake the expansion work of Hubli & Belgaum Airports. • Completion of Airports at Gulbarga and Shimoga
on P.P.P. mode by May & August 2013 respectively.
Urban Development:
An amount of Rs. 9654 Crore provided for Urban Development.
New Initiatives for Bangalore City
• Establishment of One Dialysis and Diabetic centre in each of the assembly constituency coming under the jurisdiction of BBMP. • Establishment of Public Toilets (especially for ladies) at a cost of Rs. 25.00 crore in all the wards of BBMP.
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• Rs.300 crore under Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana to provide housing to the poor families residing in the jurisdiction of BBMP. • Rs. 200 crore for infrastructure facilities to the newly identified land fill sites for Solid Waste Management and to the neighbouring villages. • Rs. 300 crores for Comprehensive development of 100 Kms of prominent Arterial and Sub-arterial Roads in BBMP jurisdiction. • Rs. 500 crores for construction of Grade separators at prominent junctions where chronic traffic congestion prevails in BBMP jurisdiction. • Rs. 863 crore for construction of over bridges at Chalukya Circle, Shivananda Circle, Siddalingaiah Circle and Airport approach road.
• Exploration of the feasibility of construction of 28 km Link road between Tumkur-Bellary road for improving connectivity between Electronic City and Bangalore International Airport under PPP. • Construction of Five fly-overs on the outer ring road of Bangalore at Hebbal, Ibbalur, K.R. Puram, Doddanekkundi and Central Silk Board. • Rs. 2500 crore to lay peripheral ring road with PPP in Bangalore North and East area. • Construction of 25 K.M long elevated golden quadrangle road at (a) Hebbal-BRV ground (b) Hennur-BRV Ground (c) Central Silk Board–Lalbagh chickpet upto Mysore
Road Fly-over (Sirsi Circle) (d) BRV ground to upto Mysore Road Fly-over (Sirsi Circle). • Rs. 350 Crore for Elevated corridor, corridor linking to Airport, RMV road works and construction of underbridges in first phase of outer ring road. • Rs. 80 crore for construction of 8 lane grade seperator from Okalipuram to Khode Circle. • Rs. 2408 crore to develop 15,000 sites of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout. • Rs. 1443 crore for the construction of 8000 dwelling units. • Rs.2100 Crores with assistance from Asian Development Bank for setting up of a City Cluster Development Project to develop infrastructure basic facilities in two to three areas near Bangalore.
Bangalore Metro Rail Project
• Estimated expenditure of the project is Rs. 8151 crore, for which Karnataka Government has released Rs. 4153 crore. So far the physical progress is 66%. Completion of Entire phase-I by December 2014. • Rs. 26405 crore towards Phase-II of the project approved by the State Government consisting of 72.09 kms. The Government of Karnataka share is expected to be Rs. 8969 crore.
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Rural Development and Panchayat Raj
• A total outlay of Rs. 7354 crore provided for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.
Various measures taken for empowerment of Panchayat Raj System
• Reservation of elected women representatives increased from 33 percent to 50 percent in Panchayat Raj Institutions.
Primary and Secondary Education
Outlay for Primary and Secondary education is Rs. 15,599 crore.
Achievements during the last five years:
• 100% enrolment achieved as announced in the Budget Speech of 2012-13. • Rs. 228.30 crore
for Akshara Dasoha, Rs.320 crore for text books, Rs.367.50 crore for uniforms spent every year for 66 lakh students. • Rs. 740 crore spent for distribution of Bicycles to 5.50 lakh students, studying in the 8th standard. • Rs. 551 crore expenditure of for school buildings, five facilities etc. • 1147 new Primary and High Schools established. • 26873 class rooms constructed. • No shortage of class rooms in primary schools. • Rs. 20 crore for maintenance of school toilets and drinking water facilities. • Establishment of 74 model schools on the model of Kendriya Vidyalayas, 71 schools under Sarva Shikshana Abhiyana and 39 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas under State grants respectively and 20 Hostels in backward blocks.
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• Reimbursement of Rs. 58 crore towards fee of 50,000 school children, under Right to Education Act in the current year. • Eligibility date for getting grant-in-aid extended from 01-06-1987 to the academic year 1994-95; additional102 Budget Highlights 2013-14 expenditure of Rs. 215 crore towards grant-in-aid to 11.176 teachers working in 416 primary schools, 787 High Schools and 246 Pre-university colleges. • Rs. 213 crore spent on providing computer education to 71 lakh students studying in primary, high schools and preuniversity colleges.
New initiatives:
• Cash incentive of Rs. 93.94 Crore for 1.47 lakh SC/ST students who have secured more than 60% marks. Supply of Akash tablets in future in lieu of cash incentive.
• Strengthening of School Development programme, encouraging active participation
by public, improving school infrastructure and teaching quality and encouraging community contribution. • Providing Internet facilities to all government high school and pre-university
colleges. • Science Course will be started in Government PreUniversity colleges at Taluka level where such course is not available. • Rs. 2 Crore will be provided for construction of All India Model Education Centre started under the guidance of Sri M. Rajashekara Murthy.
Higher Education
Total outlay of Rs.3067 Crore has been provided for Higher Education.
Achievements during the last 5 years
• Rs. 243 crores expenditure incurred during last five years for 191 new colleges added. Construction of 110 college buildings is in progress.
• Rs.15 crore spread over 3 years for starting of Angla, Vikasana and Sahayoga programme. • 9 new universities were established during the last 5 years, including Janapada University, Sanskrit University, Music University, Horticulture University
and 2 Agriculture Universities. • Enhancement of 12,710 seats in 43 polytechnic colleges and 10 Engineering colleges newly started in 2008. • Expenditure of Rs.197 crore has been made for engineering college buildings and Rs.138 crore for polytechnic college buildings.
New Initiatives
• Hosa Hejje programme will be extended to Government Colleges and Polytechnics. • It is proposed to start 10 first grade colleges, as per the requirement. • Proposed bifurcation of Bangalore University to bring effective administration and to enhance quality of education.
• Rs. 10 crore for development of Rani Chennamma University. • Establishment of Sir M. Vishweswaraiah Study Chair in Mysore University. • Opening of science sections in 377 PU colleges & commerce sections in
210 colleges. • Akash Tablets for Meritorious students obtaining 60% and above in first year Engineering and Science courses in Government Colleges.
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• Provision of KSWAN connectivity along with LAN and accessories for broad band Internet connectivity to all government colleges and polytechnics at a cost of Rs. 22 crore over a period of 3 years.
Health and Family Welfare
A sum of Rs. 4027 Crores has been provided for Health and Family Welfare Department.
Women and Child Development
An amount of Rs. 3349 crore is provided during 2013-14 for Women and Child Development.
• Rs. 2580.60 Crore was provided during last 5 years for the Bhagya Lakshmi scheme that benefited 16.54 lakh beneficiaries. • Rs. 50,000 for child below one year and Rs. 35,000 for children in the age group of 1 to 5 years was given for medical expenses arising due to severe malnutrition. • Anganavadi helpers are covered under the Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS). A lump sum amount of Rs. 50,000 to anganavadi workers and Rs. 30,000 to anganavadi helpers will be granted who have completed 60 years of age. • Increase in Honorarium of Anganwadi workers and assistants by Rs. 500 and Rs. 250 respectively from 1-4-2013. • Loan and subsidy facilities
to 15,000 women under Udyogini Scheme through Karnataka State Women Development Corporation.
Information Technology and Bio Technology
• Rs. 100 crore for New Semi conductor Policy and Information and Communication Technology Policy (ESDM first of its kind in the Country). • Information Technology Sector has provided direct employment to about 8 lakh persons and indirect employment to 20 lakh in the State. • Starting of 35 Units under rural BPO Scheme in IT Sector in rural areas with an employment potential of 3500 people. • Computer training to 60,000-70,000 un-employed rural youth. • Indian Information Technology Institute will be set up at Dharwad at a cost of Rs. 128 crore. Information Technology park will be set up in Belgaum. • Rs. 20 Crore proposed to be distributed for Science related programmes of Vision Group. K-FIST Programme will be continued with financial assistance of Rs.10 Crore. • Rs.5 Crore will be provided for establishment of Planetarium/solar system model centre between HubliDharwad under the auspices of Karnataka Balavikasa Academy, Karwar. • Rs.194 Crore is provided for Information Technology, Bio Technology and Science and Technology Department.
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been made through e-procurement platform. • KSWAN has been created at a cost exceeding Rs.250 Crore connecting 2800 offices of 95 Departments providing video service between all district and taluk head quarters. • The State is successfully implementing the Aadhar Scheme, issuing of a unique identity cards to its citizens. On the basis of this information action will be taken to directly deposit the money of the beneficiaries under schemes like social security pension, MG-NAREGA in Mysore, Tumkur & Dharwad districts. • Bangalore One Centres have been increased to 87 in Bangalore city. 54 services are available to the citizens from these centres. • 38 Karnataka One Centres have been established in 7 metropolis including Shimoga. • Established cyber cafes at a cost of Rs.50 crores in all the 5627 panchayath headquarters of the State. • Rs.131 crore is provided for e-Governance initiatives during 2013-14.
Administrative Reforms
• Sakaala initiative is delivering 265 services of 30 departments to citizens across the State in a time-bound manner. Since its inception till January 2013, 1.63 Crore applications have been received, out of which 98% applications have been decided within the stipulated time limit. MoK
• An International Standard Science Gallery will be set up in Bangalore in collaboration with Science Gallery International of Ireland, Indian Institute of Science, National Bio-technology Centre, NIMHANS and Srusti Kala Vinyasa and Technology School at the cost of Rs.10 Crore.
Tourism
An outlay of Rs. 290 crore is provided for Tourism Department.
• Rs. 910 crore spent for providing infrastructure facilities in popular tourist spots. • Rs. 129.00 crore to develop 437 km connectivity road network. • The Best Luxury Train 2012 award for Golden Chariot tour. • Ihole village will be completely shifted and rehabilitated.
Transport:
Total outlay of Rs. 1288 crores is provided to Transport Department.
Revenue
An outlay of Rs. 3440 crores has been provided to Revenue Department.
e-governance
• Procurement worth Rs. 1,61,249 Crore have
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Excerpt from the speech of honourable governor made to joint session of
Karnataka legislature
Honourable Chairman, Honourable Speaker andHonourable Members of the Legislature,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to this joint session of Karnataka Legislature.
Over the last five years, my Government has been pursuing the development agenda and I congratulate the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues for ensuring all round development of the State. I also compliment both the ruling and opposition parties for their active participation and productive discussions in the Legislature. Construction of Suvarna Soudha at Belgaum has indeed been a milestone, in addressing the aspirations of North Karnataka.
The law and order situation has been very good and the State has not witnessed any communal incidence. Our police force has done an excellent job in maintaining peace, controlling the naxal menace and effectively handling the situation at the time of agitation related to North East. Similarly, we are tackling the crimes against women, with an iron hand.
Comfortable Financial StatusI am happy to state that the financial status of my
Government has been very sound. Fiscal deficit and public debt have been within the targets prescribed by the Central Government and the 13th Finance Commission. Over the last five years, the tax revenues of the State have more than doubled. Tax revenue is 10% of GSDP, which is among the highest in the
Country. The Plan size has increased by two and a half times over the last 5 years. Per-capita plan expenditure of Rs.6810, is among the highest in the Country.
New LegislationsDuring the tenure of my Government,
various bills like Guarantee of Services to the Citizens, Prohibiting Land Grabbing, Regulating Stone Crushers, Establishing Maritime Board etc., have been enacted. Legislations supporting setting up of new Universitie related to Law, Higher Education, Horticulture, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Music & Culture, etc., have been passed.
In pursuance of the unanimous resolutions of both the Houses of Legislature, long pending demand of Hyderabad-Karnataka region has been fulfilled with the amendment to the Constitution of India by introdu tion of Article 371(J). The benefits of the amendment would be shortly extended to the people.
Good Governance and AccoladesKarnataka has been appreciated by one and
all for making Citizens’ Right to services through Karnataka Sakala Service Act, a dream come true. In a short span of 9 months more than 1.65 crore citizens have availed 265 services in a time bound manner. This is, by far, the highest achievement in the Country.
13 KarnatakaNOVEMBER 2012
March of15 KarnatakaMARCH 2013
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A Centre of Good Governance is being constituted and a compendium of Citizen Centric Innovations has been brought out to replicate success stories. Various initiatives of the State have been recognised at National and International levels, in sectors such as E-Governance, transport, health, rural and urban development, water supply, etc. For the first time, a scheme of “Sarvothama Seva Prashasthi” for rewarding the outstanding Government officers has been implemented.
Strides in E-Governance Action is being taken to implement Aadhaar based
delivery of Government services, eg: Social Security
Pensions and MGNREGA. Implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer based on Aadhaar data in three districts of Tumkur, Mysore and Dharwad has st started from 1 January.
Several Citizen Service Centres have been added under Bangalore-One and Karnataka-One, to provide electronic one-stop service to the citizens.
Augmenting Water Resources The Government has declared the year 2011-
2021 as NEERAVARI DASHAKA to give thrust to irrigation sector. As a first step, 25 irrigation projects are completed during last four and half years.
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Phase-III of Upper Krishna Project amounting to Rs.17,000 crores has been approved and 7 out of 9 sub components are under progress. Modernisation ofTungabhadra, Malaprabha and Ghataprabha, Left and Right Bank Canal and their distributaries is taken up for efficient water management.
Besides, my Government has effectively handled a difficult situation arising out of scanty rainfall in the Cauvery basin. Yettinahole Project which is a part of Sri G.S.Paramashivaiah Report is being implemented as a short term strategy to fulfil the urgent needs of safe drinking water facility to eastern parts of Karnataka. Micro Irrigation system has been adopted for the first time in the country for efficient use of water.
Human Resource Development My Government has given high priority
to human resource development, particularly, the Girl child in the form of ‘Bhagyalakshmi’ scheme, benefiting 16 lakh girls. Right to Education Act is being implemented in the State, in letter and spirit. There has been a substantial improvement in the pass percentage and enrolment ratio, in primary and secondary education sector.
Higher EducationThe Government has placed the highest
priority for enhancing the access, quality, equity and nclusivity in higher education. It has more than doubled the access to higher education during last five years by increasing the number of universities, Government colleges and Government polytechnics.
Health My Government has placed special emphasis
on improvement of the health of our citizens, with a focus on mother and child. Recruitment of 38000 Asha workers has made community health, a reality. As a result, infant mortality rate has been reduced to 35 per 1000 live births.
‘Arogya Bandhu’ scheme under public-private partnership has been launched in51 primary health centres and the ‘Arogya Kavacha-108’ scheme has successfully saved 16.10 lakh precious lives.
In order to provide better health facilities to the people of Karnataka, Prasoothi Araike, Madilu, Thayi Bhagya, Arogya Kavacha, Vajpayee Arogyasri, Suvarna Arogya Chaitanya, Mobile Medical Unit, Arogya Bandhu schemes etc., have been implemented.
Under Yashaswini Scheme, on an average75,000 Co-operative farmers’ families are being assisted every year for availing 805 different surgeries.
Karnataka has been awarded as the best State in implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojane, extending benefits to 17.5 lakh BPL families.
Housing In the last 5 years, 9 lakh houses have been
constructed under different housing programmes for BPL families and in the perennially flood affected areas of northern Karnataka, 52,000 houses were constructed under ‘Asare’ scheme to shift the affected villages to safer places . We proposed to provide housing to nearly 12 lakh houseless families in the next 5 years to cover all houseless families.
Higher Industrial Investments During the tenure of my Government,
we have successfully organised two Global Investors’ Meet (2010 & 2012), in which MoUs worth more than Rs.10 lakh crores have been signed. In the post Global Investors Meet period till now, 59% of the MoUs signed, have been implemented.
My Government also prornoted higher investments in the Small Scale Sector.
IT exports have touched 1,35,000 crores, giving direct employment to 8 lakh persons and indirect employment to 2.5 lakh people.
Rural DevelopmentStrengthening of Panchayat Raj institutions
through adequate devolution of funds has been the hallmark of my Government. We have succeeded in providing safe drinking water, despite consecutive drought conditions.
Rural roads have been improved under ‘Namma Grama Namma Rasthe’ Scheme.
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Revenue Governance has been simplified and
brought closer to the people through 900 ‘Atalji Janasnehi Kendras’, providing not only Caste and Income Certificates, but also other services. Maintenance of land records is being modernised through scanning and digitisation, in order to ensure that the individual’s property title is protected.
Thirtyfive 1akh pensioners including elderly, disabled, widows etc., are being assisted under various schemes.
Bangalore City Development The first phase of 14 Kms of Bangalore
Metro Project has already been commissioned, another 10.5 Kms between Peenya and Malleswaram will be operational in June 2013. Approval of 72 Kms long Phase 2 of Bangalore Metro Project costing Rs. 26,405 crores is on the cards.
Cauvery 4th stage 2nd Phase project has been completed by BWSSB, to provide additional 500 MLD of water to the city. Rainwater harvesting has been implemented in 40,000 buildings.
Infrastructure Development Government has entrusted construction
of airports at Gulbarga and Shimoga on PPP mode. The State Government has partnered with Airports Authority of India to undertake expansion of Airports at Hubli and Belgaum.
Logistic Parks will be established under PPP mode at four locations. Action has been taken to expedite various Rail Projects. Tadadi Port will soon be developed on PPP mode.
We are all aware that Assembly elections are due shortly. I would appeal to the people of Karnataka to actively participate in the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights.
I would like to end by urging the Legislators to play their roles constructively and effectively for formulation of people friendly policies.
I seek the Co-operation of all the Honourable Members in making Karnataka an even more prosperous, peaceful and progressive State. MoK
HONNEMARADU“A dream destination for adventure sports”
C V Raghavendra Rao
Karnataka has number of unique spots for outdoor enthusiasts, campers and adventure sports. One such abode is a stretch of land encompassed with sea of cool and eye catchy water in serene and eco-friendly ambience is “Honnemaradu”.
Situated 20 kilometers from Sagar on the way to famous Jog falls this small village overlooking back waters of Linganmakki dam has earned an admirable name as one of the memorable site for adventure and water sports in the state.
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Linganmakki reservoir across the life line river Sharavathi was constructed during 1964 submerged large track of land in Sagar and Hosanagr taluks. But the back water created some of the splendid islands and attractive spots in the back drop of gracious green cover of Western Ghats.
Honnemaradu provides a splendid experience to Nature lovers and public to spend their week ends or vacation peacefully forgetting their daily mechanical stress and worries and it has earned a coveted name as a paradise for Water sports and especially for Kayaking. There is Small Island in the middle of huge lake that attracts campers.
Visitors to Honnemardu can also watch some of the rare birds but one should not miss the beauty and tranquility of spectacular view of Sun set and Sun raise. It is a best place to hold nature camps to educate participants towards conservation and protection of our fragile nature.
Information department took a lead in organizing one such camp titling “Nature and Media” for media persons recently at Honnemaradu. Participants appreciated the dedication of volunteers in up holding eco-friendly approach aimed to preserve the importance of the area.
Experts appealed media the urgent need of creating awareness among public and visitors towards the protection of environment from the adverse effects of pollution in all nature spots. MoK
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NEWS
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Chief Minister Sri Jagadish Shettar inaugurated 79th Akila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Bijapur.
Chief Minister Sri Jagadish Shettar launched Coir Board 60th year Logo in Bangalore.
NEWS
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Chief Minister Sri Jagadish Shettar distributing Bhagyalaxmi bond to a benificiary at Ayanur, Shimoga Dist.
Chief Minister Sri Jagadish Shettar and Mr Jack A. Markell, H.E, The Governor of Delaware exchanging the Agreement of Dailogue signed between the Government of Karnataka and Government of Delaware.
This is the story of the people of Karnataka!
Dynasties, kings, emperors, warriors, fighters have lived and fought and ruled and died. But, their deeds are part of the story of the people. It is their culture, which means life and activity the thoughts and actions, the experiences and experiments, the joys and sorrows of the people that have flowed on like a mighty stream through the ages that matter most. It is the dreams and aspirations, the active efforts of men and women, the concrete shape they give to their own lives by means of religion and philosophy, by ethics and codes of conduct, by literature and art, by architecture and sculpture- it is these that attract and absorb our attention.
It is clear that the people of Karnataka have played their historic role creditably and inspite of weakness and adversities, have added to the greatness of India whenever opportunities offered themselves!
Geologically, parts of Karnataka are the earliest to have peeped out of the seas. Geographically, it has a sea-coast of about 360 kms and it has mountains shooting up to more than 6000 feet. There are vaster plains as per as the eye can reach! There is hardly any other state with such potentialities for the erection of hydel projects. The variety of crops grown also is a feature of by itself. Mineral wealth, especially Mysore is very rich and abundant and its gold mines are unique!
But, again it is not these things that go to make Karnataka’s history. It is the men and women had the vision of the future and daring to translate their dreams into realities who have contributed most of the history of this land and to India’s story!
Cultural Heritage of Karnataka
B M Chandrasekharaiah
Karnataka occupies a strategic position in the geography of the Indian peninsula. It can be said to be the limit between the north and the south and the door way to Dakshina patha or Deccan. As such, it has served as the meeting place of both the north and the south; and it avoided rigidity or dogmatism and showed commendable tolerance to the many faithful deeds with met on its soil.
Great dynasties like those of the Kadambas the Gangas, the Chalukyas, the Rastrakutas, the Hoysalas and then the Vijayanagara kings maintained for centuries their independence with honour and dignity. In fact the Vijayanagara kingdom (1336-1565 A.D.) served as a brulwark against the muslime invasion of the south and served as an inspiration to the rising Maratha power. In administration, Civic life, irrigation and town-planning, in commerce and industry, Vijayanagara, the capital, was the eyesore of foreign travelers and traders for about two centuries was something magnificent and of the highest All-India importance. It was at that time the commentary on the vedas, called ‘Sayana Bhashya’ was written. It was that which serves even now as a key to Vedic interpretation!
Karnataka’s contribution in the field of religion, philosophy and the spread of the Bhakti art was more important, because it was a binding and universal. Buddhism penetrated as for as Chitradurga in the south, Jainism, however settled in Karnataka with a number of shrines and devotees. But Buddhism could not survive in Karnataka as there was a revival of Vedic religion.
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Later Islam and Christianity have also found a congenial atmosphere in part of the country. Karnataka has played a great role in sheltering and fostering the most important schools of Vedic thought namely Advaita, Visishtadvaita and Dvaita. Basaveshvara, who stood for Sakhi Visishtadvaita and in addition was a great mystic, a man of the masses and a social reformer of daring, was born and had his inspiration from the earliest saiva saints and sages. His influence has been abiding on life and society of Karnataka!
The cult of Bhakti and yoga preached and propagated during five centuries from the 11th century by both saiva and Vaishnava saints and singers. Vaishnava saints were called Dasas (Servants god) and the veerasaiva saints saranas (those who have surrendered). Bhakti and yoga expressed in aphoristic style, with also Jnana and Karma thrown in is characteristic of this movement. There are not less than 30 women Vachanakar as among the Veerasaiva saranas. It can be said that this powerful mystic literature is unique of its kind in India!
Regarding the Kannada literature, what can be pointed out here is that the earliest stone inscription is that Halmidi (450AD.) The very first book Kavirajamarga, is a book on poetics (850 AD) and quotes from thirty poets whose works are now not available. With varied fortunes, Kannada literature today can be compared favorably with that in any other Indian language in quality more than in quantity. So far as architecture sculpture, Song, Drama, Dance and music are concerned, Karnataka has a brilliant history. Karnataka has lent its name to a style of music
which is more popular as the ‘Karnataka music’. One can notice that country’s history. If Akkadevi, Attimabbe, Santala belong to an earlier period, Keladi Channamma, Kitturu Chennamma, belong to a later period, Among the saintly Vachanakaras the name of great Akkamahadevi is a cherished legend!
There was no death of heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives either as martyrs or fighters in open battle with invaders or enemies. This is evidenced by numerous hero stones or veeragals, lying scattered over the land, set up by the grateful contemporaries!
Thus, there is no department of human activity useful or practical cultural or aesthetic, has Karnataka lagged behind during its long and cheqwered career of about 2,000 years of recorded history. It is true that a comprehensive history based on study, research and documentation has yet to be written by scholars as some ambiguities are still persist.
This humblest efforts of narration, is only to help each and every Kannadiga to know himself and his enviable past, great has been the past of this land and these peoples; greater can be its future if only we draw strength from on roots and light from our inner vision! MoK
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D P Muralidhar
Karnataka Wins Millions Hearts!
Demon Mahishasura is standing here. But, it is not Chamundi Hills! Lord Ugra Narasimha is sitting here. But, it is not Hampi! Nandi is resting here. But, it is not Halebid! Here is Ainmane. But, it is not Kodagu!
Then, what is this?
Yes! This is a Karnataka outside Karnataka!
This was the opinion of visitors to the Surajkund International Crafts Fair, held from February 1 and 15, in Haryana.
Photos: M M Joshi
Sri Basavaraj, principal secretary of Information and Sri N R Vishukumar Director DOI with artists
25 KarnatakaMARCH 2013
March of
MoK
Karnataka happened to be the Theme State at this 27th fair, which was elevated to the International-level from this year, was an attempt to further improve the image of Karnataka and promote the products of the State.
Surajkund, just 26 kms from New Delhi, is in Faridabad District of Haryana. Surajkund Crafts Fair is organized to promote the rural artisans and their craftsmanship vis-a-vis to provide a market for their products. Karnataka has become the Theme State for the second time, after 18 years.
There were 800 stalls this year, including stalls from all the States in India, besides Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka– all SAARC Countries, Addis Ababa, Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia- Countries in the African Continent, Kyrgykistan, Tajkitan and Turkmenisitan– all Euro-Asian Countries, Thailand and Peru had showcased their products of their rural artisans. But, Karnataka’s 75 stalls attracted visitors the most!
Stalls selling Mysore’s Jasmine, Bangalore’s Sugandha Raja, Haveri’s Cardamom Garland, Ramanagar’s Silk Garland, Mysore’s Beetle Leaf, Malnad’s Arecanut, Nanjanagud’s Rasabale (Banana), Tiptur’s Tender Coconut, Kodagu’s Coffee and Honey, Sakaleshpur’s Cardamom and Pepper, Chennapatna and Kinnal’s Toys, Cotton and Silk Fabrics in the 20 stalls of the Khadi and Village Industries Board made a roaring business.
Star Attraction!
One of the Star attractions of the fair was the stall of the Department of Information. The Photo Exhibition, put up by the department attracted crowds.
The exhibition depicted the Sons of the Soil, who carved a niche with their significant contribution not merely to the culture, language and society but
also to the World.
Sweet State!
People who tasted Mysore Pak, Bangalore Kayi Holige, Belgaum Kunda, Dhawrad Pedha, Gokak Karadantu, Melukote’s Sweet Pongal at the Fair termed Karnataka as a Sweet State!
Bangalore’s Special Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore’s Special Vangi Bath, Davanagere Benne Dosa, Bangalore Benne Masala Dosa, Bidadi’s Thatte Idly, Maddur Vada, Coastal Special Neer Dosa, Mangalore Bajji and Buns, Malnad’s Paddu turned the Fair a Food Festival for many visitors. Some women personally visited the kitchen and had an interview with the Chefs of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation on How to prepare Rasam? What are the ingredients to be used to prepare Sambar?
The Designs of the Mysore Palace Gates, Statue of Sri Chamundeshwari, Attractive Dasara Dolls, Miniature of Jain Basadis and Gol Gumbaz were prepared by noted Art Director Shashidhar Adappa.
When the Folklore Artists beat drums– Dollu, Nagaari and Tamate– people danced to their rhythms.
Loud Speakers at the Fair also beamed foot tapping music, sung by popular artistes of the State. The folk forms Veeragaase, Kamsaale, Krishna Paarijaatha, Bombeyaata, Bhootharadhane, Yakshagaana also attracted crowds.
According to an official estimate more than 1.5 million people visited the Fair. Another significant feature of the fair is that the Theme State Karnataka won million hearts!
Pick PearlAKarnataka’s 12th century social reformer lord Basaveshwara’s statue will be installed on the banks of the river Thames in London.
Labour councillor, Kannadiga, Dr Neeraj Patil, who served as Mayor of Lambeth from 2010-11 is championing the project for the installation of a statue of Basaveshwara in Albert Embankment Gardens.
The proposed site for the statue is the lawn between Albert Embankment and the River Thames.
Basaveshwara fought against the caste system and prejudice. He was a great humanitarian. He fought for a world in which there was equal opportunity to all regardless of gender, caste, and social status. A true visionary with ideas ahead of his time, he envisioned a society that flourished enriching one and all. He spread social awareness through his Vachanas to eradicate untouchability in the society.
It will be a proud moment for the people of Karnataka for getting such a honour from the world’s oldest democratic country.
The man behind all these Dr Neeraj Patil who is now settled in United Kingdom is from Kamalapura town of Gulberga District.
Basaveshwara Statue in London
The Vice President of India Honourable Hameed Ansari, released 10 translated volumes of Vachanas of Basaveshwara on the occasion of birth
centenary celebration of late Dr B D Jatti in Bangalore.
The Artists from Karnataka performing at 27th Surajkund
International Crafts Mela
March of Karnataka MARCH 2013. RNI No. KAR KAN/2010/4081 Regd No. KARN 34 CPMG/KA/BGGPO/2525/2012-2014 under WPP No. 55 Licenced to post at GPO Bangalore (pages 28) On 29th & 30th Every Month
