Pacts worth ` 450 crore to promote tourism in DK

Industries will come up in Tier-II cities, says CM

The Chief Minister said that the State has inked agreements promising private investment of about Rs 450 crore, at Global Investors Meet (GIM), to promote tourism in Dakshina Kannada.

Speaking after exercising franchise, at Puttur on Sunday, he said that the Global Investors Meet was not restricted to one department or Bangalore alone. The industries will come up in tier-II cities. “I have entrusted the responsibility to co-ordinate with the industries in Tier-II cities, to the DCs of respective districts,” he said.

“I am the president of Empowerment Committee. I have taken part in two meetings. If any investor feels that the officials are not responding to him, then he can contact my office directly.

Arrangement has been made to provide land, electricity and water to the investors within a day of the proposal. After taking part in the empowerment committee meeting, the investor can go back home with the government order on the following day,” he asserted.

Setting up of industries alone will be of no use to the state. Along with industries, the youth should get employment. There is a need to implement Sarojini Mahishi report totally, he said.

English medium schools

To a query on opposition by the litterateurs to the proposal on starting English medium schools by the government, he said the government has not neglected Kannada at any cost.

“The Kannada writers and litterateurs have opposed the move of the government to start English medium schools. The state is continuing with the language policy of 1994. The case pertaining to language policy is still before the Supreme Court.

Along with Kannada, our youth should learn English and grow globally. It is the responsibility of the government to provide conducive atmosphere to learn English along with Kannada.”

“All of us should know how intellectuals behave. Those who have been levelling allegations against English medium schools are sending their own children to English medium schools. Few are in the US. We are preparing a list of such intellectuals,” the CM said.

It is not right on the part of the litterateurs to urge the government not to teach English in Kannada medium schools. “The litterateurs should demand for teaching Kannada in English medium schools.”

Endosulfan victims centre

The CM said the government is planning to set up endosulfan victims centre near Uppinangady. Another day care centre will be set up near Alankaru. Basic infrastruture facilities will be provided to Endosulfan victims day care centre at Kokkada.

‘Report on Spring Zouk’

The Chief Minister said that Mysore Regional Commissioner’s report on Spring Zouk, an alleged rave party held at St Mary’s island in Malpe has reached the government. “I have not read the report. The discussion on the report will be held on Tuesday,” he said.