Mixed response for budget in Hassan district

No package for potato growers, no new projects announced

The budget for the year 2016-17, presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has evoked mixed response in the district. However, the two important announcements for the district are — a fodder manufacturing unit in Arkalgud at a cost of Rs 20 crore and upgradation of Hemavathy Right Bank Canal.

The people of the district, who had anticipated compensation for potato growers, overbridge near the new bus stand and others, were disappointed.

But, the announcement of financial aid to the rain-dependent small and micro farmers through National Seed Corporation or Farmer Manufacturing Societies, may help a section of the farmers.
Admission

The chief minister has assured to increase the number of seats in the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences from 100 to 150. This may not be beneficial for the students of the district alone. Moreover, it has to get the approval of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). If there are no sufficient facilities as per the guidelines, the IMA will not approve it.

Siddaramaiah has declared that a committee would be constituted for Yettinahole and Bhadra projects, even as the projects are being opposed by a section of the people of the district.

Package

JD(S) spokesperson Hongere Raghu opined that the chief minister had meted out injustice to Hassan district as there were no new projects and no package was announced for potato growers.

However, the chief minister’s announcement of constituting a committee for implementation of Yettinahole project has invited flak from the organisations opposing the project.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Kishore, president of Malenadu Janapara Horata Samiti, said, “A scientific survey has not been conducted and no efforts have been made to take public or expert opinion on the project. The issue is with the National Green Tribunal. Once, the verdict is out, the future course of action would be decided.”