State to get rice for scheme from Chhattisgarh

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Sunday that the government would procure the shortfall of 1.3 lakh tonnes rice for its ‘Re 1 per one kg’ rice scheme from Chhattisgarh. The scheme is set to come into effect from July 1.

He was speaking to reporters at the helipad in the city where he arrived to take part in the 83rd birthday celebrations of Minister Shamanur Shivashan­karappa.

The chief minister defended the government’s move to hike the fares of KSRTC and BMTC buses in the State, saying the rising diesel prices necessitated it. 
 
Siddaramaiah said that the government would begin preparations for the budget from Monday. Discussions would be held with officials of various departments in this regard. Heads for various boards and corporations would be appointed after July, the chief minister said.

Later, speaking at the birthday celebrations of Shivashankarappa, he said it was difficult to ban liquor in the State.

If there has to be a ban, it must be implemented across the country, the chief minister said. However, he advised people who consume liquor to give up the habit.
The chief minister said he was mulling over curbing lavish weddings that are nothing but an excuse for vulgar display of wealth. Siddaramaiah advocated simple marriages.