Karnataka CM unfurls tricolour in Bangalore

Mangalore Today/DHNS

Bangalore, Aug 15, 2013: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Thursday unfurled the tricolour flag and reviewed the guard of honour at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here to mark India’s 67th Independence Day (I-Day) amid tight security.

 

Under a cloudy sky and on a breezy day, the chief minister went around the ground in an open jeep past contingents of the state police, scouts, guides and students even as martial music rang in the air.

About 10,000 people, including hundreds of children, thronged the venue in the city centre to witness the colourful parade with patriotic fervour and gaiety after an air force chopper showered rose petals on the dais where the tricolour was fluttering.

 

Siddaramaiah today said his government would soon implement the Rajiv Chaityanya scheme in the state to ensure employment to over two lakh rural unemployed youth and planned to augment power generation by adding 4,000 MW.

Addressing a function at Manekshaw Parade grounds here on the 67th Independence day, he said the scheme would cover 40 to 50 youths in each Gram Panchayat. The Chief Minister said over 2,300 MW power in public sector and 1,700 MW power in private sector would be generated in the next three years under the Belakina Bhagya scheme.

Siddaramaiah unfurled the tricolour and took the salute at a parade of contingents of the armed forces, police and student cadets. Flower petals were showered from IAF helicopters on the gathering, while cultural programmes were also presented. A contingent from the Maratha light infantry regiment centre, Belgaum, presented the ’Malkambh’ exercises.

Siddaramaiah said the hopes of the power sector have been raised with the Centre agreeing to provide 382 million tonnes of coal to thermal units in Yeramarus, Yedlapur, Godna and Bellary. "The willingness of the central government to provide 382 million ton coal supply to thermal power units in Yeramarus, Yedlapur, Godna and Bellary has raised hopes for power sector," he said.

The Chief Minister said government would spend Rs 50,000 crore on the irrigation sector with the target of bringing 9.25 lakh hectares under irrigation in the next five years. He listed the major achievements of his government, including Anna Bhagya scheme, Ksheera Bhagya Scheme, RunaMukti Bhagya and Krishi Bhagya scheme and Sooru Bhagya housing scheme.