Date:12/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/12/stories/2007011210000400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Rs. 15 crore for Kannada meet

Special Correspondent

The three-day conference will be held in Belgaum from February 23

Government has decided to invite President Abdul Kalam for the inaugural function

Postponement of the event ruled out

HIGH-LEVEL MEET: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Home Minister M.P. Prakash and chairman of KDA Siddalingaiah at the meeting in Bangalore on Thursday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: To organise a three-day World Kannada Conference on a grand style in Belgaum from February 23, the State Government has decided to spend Rs. 15 crore on the event, planned to mark the Suvarna Karnataka year.

A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday decided to invite President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for the inaugural function. A decision was also taken to invite foreign dignitaries, Ambassadors and High Commissioners in the country.

The meeting ruled out postponement of the event.

Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Home Minister M.P. Prakash, legislators from Belgaum district and officials of various departments attended the meeting.

Addressing presspersons, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he had asked the officials concerned to go ahead with the preparations.

Mr. Kumaraswamy instructed the Belgaum district administration to take up road repairs on priority to organise tours for `Horanadu' Kannadigas to showcase the tourism potential of the State. Mr. Kumaraswamy said the foundation stone for construction of building on the lines of Vidhana Soudha in Belgaum would be laid during the event.The estimated cost of the building is Rs. 250 crore.