Decision on Reddys' induction after report:CM

Speaking to reporters at the Bagalkot Railway Station, he said so far, no decision was taken in this regard as Janardhana  Reddy, Karunakara Reddy and B Sriramulu had been indicted in the Lokayukta report. Likewise, there is no proposal to drop Housing Minister V Somanna from the council of ministers till the report was submitted.

Cabinet expansion

Gowda said the third and final round of Cabinet expansion would take place after Anna Hazare’s agitation ends.

On the appointment of in-charge ministers, Gowda said he would announce new in-charge ministers for some districts in a day or two. He would retain the present in-charge ministers with minor changes.

Ruling out any new plans, Gowda said his immediate concern was to implement all ambitious programmes launched by his predecessor  B S Yeddyurappa.

New policy

The State government will bring out a new policy for rehabilitation of those displaced by major irrigation projects, said Gowda.

He told reporters after offering ‘bagina’ to River Krishna at the Almatti dam on Monday, he said priority needs to be given to those who sacrifice their houses and land for projects. The living standards of the affected people must be above that of those who enjoy benefits of the schemes. The rehabilitation policy was being revised, he said. A high-level committee comprising experts would be constituted to frame a policy.

The CM said additional funds were required to complete all pending irrigation projects. The government was planning to raise funds through irrigation bonds, as well as borrowing money from outside agencies.