Will look into complaints about I-T and GST payers availing benefits under ''guarantees'': DKShi
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said the government will look into complaints against those who pay Goods and Services Tax and income tax but still avail benefits under the 'guarantee schemes' launched by the Congress government.
He also asserted that there was no question of altering or scrapping the guarantee schemes.
“As the Congress state president, I am saying that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that there is no question of altering or scrapping the guarantee schemes for any reason,” Shivakumar told reporters.
“There are complaints that some people who have more income are availing this benefit. We will review that. That’s it. There are complaints that those who are paying income tax and GST are availing it,” he maintained.
Earlier in the day, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi said the guarantee schemes need to be reviewed so that only the economically weaker sections, and not the rich, benefit from them,
Shivakumar said the Siddaramaiah government has earmarked Rs 52,000 crore for the five guarantees in 2024-25.
He dismissed as "false" allegations that funds allocation for development works in assembly constituencies has come down. "This is the opposition party’s conspiracy which is not able to digest the success of these guarantees."
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Army rescues 135 tourists from landslides-hit North Sikkim, many still stranded
Gangtok (PTI): A total of 135 stranded tourists have been rescued by the Army from North Sikkim, where multiple landslides have snapped road connectivity, officials said on Thursday.
Around 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their rescue at the earliest, they said.
The rescue operation is being carried out by the Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command amid heavy snowfall, they added.
Critical passes have been opened and alternate routes activated to facilitate the rescue mission, named 'Operation Him Setu', officials said.
A total of 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles have been moved out so far, with Army vehicles deployed to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound stretches, they said.
Medical emergencies and those requiring immediate assistance are being prioritised, officials said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in close coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity despite challenging terrain and weather, they said.
"Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground," an Army official said.
Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang, an area close to the India-China border.
