JOIN US
The State Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod for promulgating an ordinance for necessary readjustment in the Appropriation Bills passed by the legislature in July this year, so as to utilise Rs 2,500 crore for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected victims of North Karnataka.
Soon after obtaining the approval at the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and his Principal Secretary V P Baligar drove to Raj Bhavan and placed the proposal before Governor H R Bhardwaj. The governor promulgated the ordinance.
The ordinance provides the State government with the required statutory backing for imposing new levies, additional borrowings, if required, and financial jugglery of grants allotted to various departments and divert it for flood relief.
The Cabinet, however, did not discuss the nature of the new levies to be imposed for mopping up additional resources. Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Home Minister V S Acharya said the ordinance was required as the legislature was not in session to provide approval for reappropriation of funds for flood relief.
He said the State had already released Rs 505 crore, including Rs 175.65 crore, under the Calamity Relief Fund and was anticipating Rs 1,000 from the Centre under the National Calamity Contingency Fund.
Replying to queries, Acharya said the government would decide on imposing new taxes after extensive consultation and feedback from various departments. Prior to the Cabinet meeting, Acharya met the governor and briefed him on the agenda before the Cabinet.