Sudhakar stripped of Social Welfare

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, August 21: Social Welfare Minister D. Sudhakar has been stripped of his portfolio following the mysterious death of 23 inmates of the beggars’ home in the city. He has been given the Muzrai and Endowment portfolio, which was earlier with Home Minister V.S. Acharya.

Govind Karjol, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Statistics and Planning, has been given the additional responsibility of Social Welfare.

Following the death of the inmates at the home, run by the Central Relief Committee (CRC), the State Government has set up an inquiry committee headed by S. Selva Kumar, Administrator, Karnataka Health Services Development Project. C.N. Manje Gowda, CRC president, has been relieved from the post, while Krishne Gowda, CRC secretary, has been suspended pending inquiry.

Ramaiah, Joint Director, Backward Classes Department, has been given charge of CRC, while Rangana Gowda, Joint Director, Social Welfare Department, has been appointed secretary of the committee.

According to a communiqué from the Governor’s office, Governor H.R. Bhardwaj has accepted the Chief Minister’s recommendation with regard to the reallocation of portfolios.

In a bid to deflect the attack of the Opposition, which has been demanding the resignation Mr. Sudhakar, Mr. Yeddyurappa on Friday night divested Mr. Sudhakar of the Social Welfare portfolio.

He told presspersons here that he would visit the Beggars’ Rehabilitation Centre on Saturday and announce steps to be taken for the proper treatment of beggars at the centre.