SPs directed to inspect prisons

The direction comes in the wake of seizure of contraband materials, cell phones, SIM cards, DVD players among others by the police in Dharwad prison earlier this week.

Minister for Prisons and Horticulture Umesh Katti told reporters on Saturday that five prison officials, including the head warden of Dharwad prison, have been suspended for their lapses.

The SPs have been directed to conduct inspection and search operations once every fortnight, said Katti.The finance department has asked the Prison Department to fill 426 posts, he added.

Priority to native fruits
The State government will strive to revive State’s native and unique fruits by encouraging their cultivation, said Horticulture Minister Umesh Katti on Saturday.

Addressing the media Katti said that Nanjangud Banana, Devanahalli Chakota and Kamalapura Banana, are among many fruits which are native to the State but had lost demand due to poor arrivals in the market.

The government plans to popularise these fruits by providing subsidy and saplings to farmers.

Also interested farmers will be encouraged to grow medicinal plants, he added.
He expressed confidence in fully utilising the Rs 140 crore grant provided to the State under the National Horticulture Mission by the end of the financial year.
Comments countered

Horticulture Minister Umesh Katti on Saturday countered BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi’s diatribe that the party had not given adequate representation to dalits.
Speaking to reporters, Katti said that the State Cabinet has seven dalit ministers, a significant number compared to previous governments.

Katti ruled out any negative impact on the government’s image due to the induction of controversial MLA M P Renukacharya into the Cabinet.