Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala on Monday advised against stalling legislature sessions due to politics. The Governor, indicating that the ruling party and the Opposition were equally important in the development of the State, said that there was a need to have constructive discussions on legislations.
In his maiden speech to the joint session of the legislature, delivered in Hindi, Vala hoped that the parties will deliberate on how best to bring all-round development and welfare to the State.
With rumours of corruption within the government gaining strength, Vala reminded that for the welfare of the State, there was need for a transparent government. This would lead to peace and prosperity to the citizens.
On the concerns of safety for women and children in the State, Vala said that the government had designated Principal District and Sessions Courts in all districts and Additional Special Courts in Bengaluru City for speedy trial of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso Act) and those pertaining to atrocities on women. He said the government was taking action to appoint Special Public Prosecutors in Pocso courts.
Vala’s speech lauded the efforts of the government in bringing reformative changes with its programmes. It reminded the members that the financial position of the State had improved over the last one year and development activities had received a fillip.
The Governor’s speech highlighted the intent of the government to construct three lakh houses and distribute 20,000 sites in the current year for the socially and economically weaker sections of the society. The State has developed 5,600 km of roads at a cost of Rs 1,250 crore. Major district roads (8,885 km) have been taken up for development. Of these, 2,915 km of the roads are being developed at a cost of Rs 1,415 crore.
He went on to say that the government is taking caution to end malnourishment. Severely malnourished children of five backward districts of Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bidar, Raichur and Koppal are being provided eggs and 200 ml milk for three days in a week.
Feel-good factor
* State finances looking up, giving a fillip to development works
* Commercial taxes collection increased by 16.5 pc this year, compared to previous year
* 8.43 pc growth in Excise revenue this year as compared to last year
* Communal harmony has been maintained, no major incidents of law and order
* Phase I of Bengaluru Metro rail project to be completed this year
* Rs 1,000 cr allocated for improvement of infrastructure in Bengaluru under Nagarothana scheme
* For development of 10 more city corporations, Rs 1,000 cr allocated under Nagarothana scheme
