Mysuru, Jun 28: Expressing concern over the recent cases of suicide by farmers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appealed to farmers against losing hope and assured them that the State government is committed to their wellbeing.
Mr. Siddaramaiah told presspersons at the airport here that farmers committing suicide was not a solution to their woes. The government, which had offered several schemes to farmers, would always be ready to come to their assistance, he said.
The State was receiving good monsoon rain, and all the reservoirs were filling up fast, which was a good sign for farmers. The government had taken all steps to provide seeds, fertilizer and other farm inputs to farmers to take up agricultural activity, he said.
With regard to the dues owed by sugar factories to sugarcane growers, the Chief Minister said the government was pursuing the issue with all seriousness by seizing sugar from the factories. Seized sugar would be auctioned to clear farmers’ dues, he said.
BPL cards for trans-genders
Later, speaking at the Jana Mana programme here, Mr Siddaramaiah said that the State government was actively considering providing milk for schoolchildren five days a week. He said the government was working on the availability of milk powder and cost, to extend the Ksheera Bhagya scheme.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said the State would soon give Below Poverty Line cards to transgenders, who would hereafter be called ‘Linga Alpasankyatharu’. They would also be given rice, wheat, oil and other benefits.
He claimed that the government had fulfilled over 100 of 165 promises made in its manifesto about two years ago. The Congress will fulfil all its promises in the next three years, he said adding that the government was contemplating on introducing many more welfare schemes to benefit economically weaker sections.
Transgenders, at the meeting, alleged that the police were unnecessarily booking cases against them. They urged Mr. Siddaramaiah to revoke Section 36 (A) of the Karnataka Police Act as it had been allegedly misused by the police.
The Chief Minister said a committee has been appointed under the chairmanship of MLC Jayamala, which would examine the allegations. Students complained that last year, the scholarship amount was released at the fag end of the academic year. They urged him to ensure that the amount was given at the beginning of the academic year so that they could buy books and other needs. Mr. Siddaramaiah responded positively to their demand.
Students from Bengaluru said the scholarship amount, which was given to them, was not sufficient. They asked the Chief Minister to either enhance the scholarship amount or set up Anna canteens on the lines of Amma canteens in Tamil Nadu.
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