Will try to allot two days during session for issues in north Karnataka: Speaker Kageri
Belagavi, Dec 12: Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri on Sunday said he would explore the possibility of earmarking two days exclusively to discuss issues in north Karnataka region during the 10-day legislature session which starts on Monday.
Speaking to reporters at Suvarna Soudha, Kageri said he has received requests from many members to take up for discussion issues specific to north Karnataka.
I will discuss the matter in the Business Advisory Committee meeting scheduled on Monday just before the commencement of the proceedings and try to explore the possibility to earmark two days for this matter, the Speaker said.
Kageri said the session would have to discuss the problems of the people of the entire Karnataka and expressed confidence that the ruling party would respond to the issues raised by the Opposition.
I expect the proceedings to be meaningful and the outcome will be in the interest of the people notwithstanding the fact that there are challenges being faced by the district administration in making fool-proof arrangements, Kageri said.
He expressed pleasure of holding the session in Suvarna Soudha after a gap of two years due to COVID-19-related restrictions.
I am happy over officials having risen to the occasion and making arrangements for the smooth conduct of the proceedings, the Speaker told the reporters.
When asked about the decision of several organisations to stage protests over various demands, Kageri said he expected the government to respond to them.
The matter is between the organisations and the government. It is for the government to look into it," he added.
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Shocked by PM’s remarks on Shakti scheme causing loss to metro: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that he is "shocked" by the reported statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the "Shakthi scheme had resulted in loss of revenue for the Bengaluru metro".
Under the 'Shakti' scheme implemented by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, women can avail free travel in state-run buses.
Hitting out at Modi, the state deputy chief minister said that the prime minister lacks information on the Shakthi scheme and hence he has said that it has impacted revenues of the Bengaluru metro.
"Namma metro has earned a revenue of Rs 130 crore in the last one year. Footfalls too have gone up by 30 per cent for the same period. Bengaluru metro is limited to Bengaluru, while the Shakthi scheme is rolled out, keeping in mind people from across the state," he told reporters here.
The Shakthi scheme is rolled out by the Congress to ease the burden of price rise and inflation on women, Shivakumar said.
"Metro is a joint initiative between the State and the Centre and it has done well over the last one year. Someone seems to have provided incorrect information to the prime minister," he added.
"I would like to convey to the PM that the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru metro are being run efficiently while offering the Shakthi scheme to women. Women are taking 60 lakh trips per day in Karnataka. They are very happy with the Shakthi scheme. Many other states are expressing interest in Shakthi scheme," he said.
PM Modi has reportedly spoken in an interview on bus and the Metro rail services and whether or not he made a specific reference to Karnataka is not known.
When asked if there was a shortage of buses in North Karnataka, Shivakumar said, "We have already taken a decision to buy 1,000 new buses. Of these, 100 buses have been allocated to Ramanagara district. Buses will be allocated to North Karnataka as well.
"We are not looking at making profits from KSRTC. We are only ensuring it doesn’t make losses. The government is reimbursing the cost of tickets under the Shakthi scheme," he said.
