Pro-people governance reflected in 1,000 days: Siddaramaiah
Haveri (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that his government had set records in welfare delivery and economic growth, asserting that its 1,000 days in office reflected its commitment to inclusive development.
The CM inaugurated the government's 1,000-day celebration and a programme to distribute title deeds to one lakh beneficiaries, organised jointly by the district administration and the Revenue Department.
"We are distributing title deeds to one lakh beneficiaries for the second time through the Revenue Department. So far, we have created a record by distributing title deeds to 2.20 lakh families," he said on the occasion.
"It is our pro-people government that has made the state's GDP number one in the country. The state is also moving at record speed in GST tax collection," he said, presenting data to substantiate the claim.
Siddaramaiah said his government has completed two years and nine months. "Out of the 590 promises made, we have fulfilled 243 promises. The remaining promises will also be fulfilled in the remaining term," he claimed.
Referring to his previous tenure, he said that even during 2013-18, the Congress government fulfilled all promises made and implemented 30 additional promises not mentioned in the manifesto, thereby creating a record of "walking the talk".
The chief minister said that so far, through the guarantee schemes, the state government has availed direct benefits to the tune of Rs 1.18 lakh crore to the people of the state.
"Our government has successfully completed 1,000 days in office. Only the Congress government walks the talk," Siddaramaiah stated.
He added that his government believes in inclusive development for people of all castes, religions and languages, and is committed to reducing inequality.
"The government completed 1,000 days on February 13. Our achievement convention during these 1,000 days reflects our commitment. We stand for the poor, Dalits, backward classes, minorities, women and workers," Siddaramaiah reiterated.
He assured that district demands would be addressed after reviewing the state's financial position.
Praising Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Siddaramaiah said there had been "revolutionary progress" in the department after he took charge.
Targeting the BJP, the chief minister said the party, which failed to fulfil its promises while in power, was spreading negative propaganda that the state treasury is empty.
Citing opinions expressed by economists, including Amartya Sen and Abhijit Banerjee, as well as studies by newspapers and universities, Siddaramaiah said the BJP indulging in misleading the people was condemnable.
The CM alleged that the BJP did nothing for four years when it was in power in the state from 2019 to 2023.
"The Central government is doing injustice to the state by not providing adequate grants. Our successful 1,000 days of governance stand testimony to our pro-people commitment," he said.
The chief minister claimed that these achievements had been accomplished despite what he termed injustice by the Centre.
Alleging financial injustice, he said the central government had caused financial injustice to the state. Due to shortfalls in GST compensation, the state had suffered a loss of Rs 12,000 crore to 15,000 crore.
"We are not getting our rightful share. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs 15,000 crore is yet to be released. If this grant is provided, many development works can be taken up across the state," Siddaramaiah said.
He accused former Chief Minister and current MP Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar of not even speaking in Delhi against the injustice being done to the state.
During the programme, officers were honoured for their outstanding performance.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, ministers, MLAs and leaders were present.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
