State must be free of not just hunger, communalism too: CM

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said the vision of the state government was to make Karnataka 'hunger-free', 'hut-free', 'drought-free' and also 'communalism-free'.

Speaking at 'Prajamatha', an interactive programme with experts from various sectors organised by Prajavani, a sister publication of Deccan Herald, in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said his government, during the last five years, had taken several steps to ensure food for all through its Annabhagya scheme and shelter for all through its housing-for-poor project.

Irrigation has been treated as a priority sector to improve agricultural productivity. "We also want the state to be free from communal elements. For that, all parties should be secular. However, this seems to be not happening as some parties are using religious sentiments for electoral gains," Siddaramaiah said, making a oblique reference to the BJP, but stopped short of naming the party.

The chief minister said his government had also been taking steps for overall progress in the service and industry sectors even as he expressed confidence that the Congress would comfortably win the Assembly polls to continue its initiatives.

Lake protection

Replying to queries, he said the government was contemplating to bring conservation and protection of all lakes under one authority. "Today, lakes in Bengaluru and surrounding areas come under the jurisdiction of different agencies like BBMP, BDA and the Forest department. An action plan is being prepared to bring all lakes under a single umbrella. This will also help in setting up sewage treatment plants without any hindrance," he said.

State syllabus

To another question, he said all schools affiliated to the state board would stick to the state syllabus. A student representative in the audience expressed her apprehension that students in the state would be at a disadvantage if the government accepted the "one nation, one syllabus" proposal of the National Council for Educational Research and Training.