Belagavi: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said approval of several projects related to North Karnataka during the winter session of the state legislature proved BJP government's commitment to the region's development here.
"Several problems afflicting the region were solved. Approvals were given to a slew of railway projects, financial rejuvenation of HESCOM, clearance for Sasalatti and Manturu irrigation projects, lift irrigation project in Sedam, were among the projects which got a push during the session. This proved the BJP government's commitment to the development of the region," he told reporters here.
The state cabinet also took vital decisions with regards to recruitment of teachers for Kalyana Karnataka region, granting Rs 500 crore in supplementary estimates for the region, taking up new infrastructure projects in Belagavi and holding joint session of state legislature in January, Bommai said.
The session witnessed elaborate discussion on recent floods and crop losses, he added.
The government made history by paying crop loss compensation within 48 hours after the details were uploaded in an app, Bommai said, adding that about Rs 700 crore was distributed within a month benefiting over 14 lakh farmers.
"We have proved ourselves as a farmer-friendly government by almost doubling the crop loss compensation despite financial constraints amid Covid crisis. The compensation for crop loss in dryland farming has been raised from Rs 6800 per hectare to Rs 13,600. As for irrigated lands, the compensation has been increased from Rs 13,500 to Rs 25,000 and for horticulture crops it has been raised to Rs 28,000 from Rs 18,000. It is a historic decision," he said.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Siddaramaiah said the purpose of building Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi was not served as the government did not provide justice to the people of North Karnataka. He alleged that the BJP government spent Rs 17,734 crore, but the Congress government spent three times as much money for irrigation purposes.
Siddaramaiah also alleged that in BJP's 2018 election manifesto, it had promised to complete Sujalam irrigation projects in Karnataka at a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, but it has not been fulfilled.
Referring to an anti-conversion bill which was passed in the assembly, Bommai said it exposed the dual policy of Congress, which opposed the bill.
When asked about the bill not getting passed in the Legislative Council yet, he said, "We would not like to force the bill through. The bill would be taken up in the next session after taking all the members into confidence."
Reacting to Congress' comments that the session was convened only to push through a few bills, Bommai said the opposition had enough time to take up pro-people issues, but their objective was confined to holding 'dharna' in the house.
"The opposition did not bother to participate in debates. They did not conduct themselves responsibly," he added.