Bengaluru to get ₹1.04 lakh crore development boost: Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the Karnataka government has prepared a comprehensive ₹1.04 lakh crore development plan for Bengaluru, which will be implemented over the next four to five years. The initiative includes tunnel roads, elevated corridors, double-decker flyovers, buffer roads, LED streetlight installations, and city beautification projects such as decorative lighting.
Speaking to reporters after interacting with citizens at the “Bengaluru Nadige” (Walk for Bengaluru) programme held at the Veer Yodha Park in Koramangala on Sunday, Shivakumar said the government intends to bring administration closer to the people.
“To ensure effective governance, we have created five municipal divisions within the city. The grievances and suggestions received today have been recorded, and our officials will follow up with citizens,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s welfare priorities, Shivakumar stated that the government is spending ₹52,000 crore annually to implement the five guarantee schemes aimed at providing relief from inflation and ensuring basic needs for citizens. In addition, ₹20,000 crore is being allocated every year to supply free electricity to farmers. “In total, nearly ₹1 lakh crore is being dedicated annually to welfare and public benefit programmes,” he added.
The Deputy CM also urged citizens to take advantage of the government’s property documentation drive. “We have provided an opportunity for everyone to get their e-khata prepared and to convert ‘B Khata’ properties to ‘A Khata’. Do not miss this chance,” he advised.
Responding to public concerns regarding CA (Civic Amenities) sites, Shivakumar said the government is formulating a specific policy to address the issue. He further mentioned that the responsibilities previously handled by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) have now been transferred to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
Minister Ramalinga Reddy, GBA Chief Commissioner Mahadeshwar Rao, and other senior officials were present at the event.
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Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup as Australia pick Ben Dwarshuis in 15-men squad
Melbourne (PTI): Australia suffered a huge blow on Saturday as premier pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup due to an injury, forcing the national selectors to pick Ben Dwarshuis in his place in a 15-member squad.
Cummins, 32, has not recovered fully from his lingering back injury and will miss the tournament that begins in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, while top-order batter Matthew Short has also been omitted from the original 15-player squad.
Matthew Renshaw comes in for Short who was listed in the initial provisional squad.
Selector Tony Dodemaide said: "With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late order hitting.
Cummins had initially been named in Australia's provisional squad.
"We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.
"Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.".
The trio of Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have cleared the fitness test for the month-long T20 showpiece.
Hazlewood has not played since injuring his hamstring and Achilles prior to the Ashes. David missed most of the BBL and the Pakistan series because of a hamstring injury, while Ellis missed the Big Bash League finals and the Pakistan tour with a hamstring niggle.
"With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle order support, with Tim David completing his return to play program in the early phase of the tournament.
"As a left hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting."
Australia is currently playing a three-game T20 Series against Pakistan in Lahore before leaving for Sri Lanka for the pool stages of the World Cup.
The T20 World Cup will be held in venues across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8..
Australian squad: Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
