Krishna to seek CVC's help to fight graft

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, NOV. 24. The Chief Minister, Mr. S.M. Krishna, said in the Legislative Assembly today that he would be meeting the Central Vigilance Commissioner, Mr. N. Vittal, in New Delhi on November 27 to seek his help in evolving a foolproof system to root out corruption in the administration.

Making a statement on the World Bank's approval of a Rs. 12,000- crore loan to the State, Mr. Krishna said the existing rules did not permit the State Government to take stringent action against erring officials, except to transfer them.

There was a need to instill accountability among the officials, especially those entrusted with the utilisation of funds for development works. Greater scrutiny was needed to ensure that funds were utilised for the purpose for which they were provided.

Mr. Krishna said that the World Bank loan was mainly for power sector reforms (Rs. 6,500 crores), development (Rs. 800 crores) and roads (Rs. 1,200 crores). He thanked the Union Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, for his support in obtaining the loan.

The loan would have to be repaid over 20 years, with a grace period of five years. Details about the interest payable were being worked out.

The World Bank loan would not be utilised for the Upper Krishna Project.

Responding to suggestions made by several members of the Opposition, Mr. Krishna said that priority would be given to construction of roads and to see that quality was maintained.

Mr. K.H. Hanume Gowda (BJP), Mr. B.N. Bachche Gowda and Mr. S.S. Patil (JD-U) and Mr. B.B. Shivappa said special attention should be given to the construction of rural roads and wanted the Government to ensure that high standards were maintained.

The Minister for Public Works, Mr. Dharam Singh, assured the members that steps would be taken to ensure that quality was maintained.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Parvathi, Bhaskar Acharya to get Attimabbe Award
Next     : Bio-medical waste treatment facility soon in
           Bangalore