Date:02/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/02/stories/2009070260700600.htm

Karnataka

V.S. Ugrappa: people of north Karnataka have been betrayed

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The Congress on Wednesday alleged that the Yeddyurappa Government had “betrayed” the people of north Karnataka, particularly Belgaum district, by not releasing funds for implementing 22 projects worth Rs. 26,031 crore sanctioned during the Belgaum session of the State legislature in January. Addressing presspersons here, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council V.S. Ugrappa, who visited Belgaum a few days ago, said the State Cabinet had sanctioned 22 projects for Belgaum division, but it had released only Rs. 10 crore for the construction of a Suvarna Soudha.

He demanded a White Paper on the development works executed in the Belgaum division.

The administrative machinery had become inactive in all districts and development works had come to a standstill. District in-charge Ministers had not been reviewing the progress of welfare schemes and works, he charged.

The Government would share 50 per cent of the total cost for taking up four rail projects — Dharwad-Belgaum, Kadachi-Bagalkot, Gadag-Haveri and Alamatti-Koppagad. Mr. Ugrappa alleged corruption in the implementation of schemes under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in Belgaum district. Though the Centre had released funds, the scheme was not implemented.