Date:28/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/28/stories/2007012802340300.htm

Karnataka - Belgaum

`Give Rs. 100 cr. for civic facilities in Belgaum'

Staff Correspondent

`Rs. 5 crore not enough to take up improvement projects'

World Kannada Meet to be inaugurated on February 23

Belgaum: A delegation of elected representatives from the district will meet Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in Bangalore early next week to demand Rs. 100 crore to improve civic facilities in the city and other parts of the district.

The delegation would be led by Minister for Horticulture Shashikant A. Naik. Minister for Social Welfare Balachandra Jarkhiholi; senior Janata Dal (United) leader M.P. Nadagouda; Suresh Angadi, MP, and Ramesh L. Kudachi, MLA, will be part of the delegation.

Announcing this here on Saturday, Mr. Naik said all elected representatives and members of public were of the view that the Rs. 5 crore released towards the three-day World Kannada Meet was not adequate for improvement and beautification works in the city.

He said the delegation would try its best to convince the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on the need for additional funds to make the meet meaningful for people of this border district.

The reception committee, which met here in the morning, decided to start the sammelana procession at 9 a.m. on February 23, through the main streets of the city, covering Khade Bazaar and College Road and culminate at Rani Channamma Circle by afternoon.

27 tableaux

It would include 27 tableaux from as many districts in the State, on the achievements and progress in different socio-economic and cultural fields.

Mr. Naik said the major roads and streets would be named after prominent personalities from the city and district and other parts of the State in recognition of their contribution to various fields.

The Chief Minister would inaugurate the sammelana at the District Stadium at 5 p.m. on February 23, Mr. Naik said.