CM goes on AIR to address grievances

From land-related issues to job security, a wide range of grievances poured in during the live phone-in programme with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the All India Radio on Saturday.

The first caller wondered why the government was taking so long to increase the salaries of police constables, despite the many assurances. Sridhar from Vijayapura told Siddaramaiah that it was unfair that constables drew such meagre salaries when their counterparts in other states were earning much more.

Despite Siddaramaiah assuring that Home Minister G Parameshwara was looking into the matter, Sridhar persisted with his questions. After the caller hung up, Siddaramaiah joked, “I am sure this man is from the police force.”

Callers wanted honorariums to be increased under various social welfare schemes, while some pleaded with the chief minister to consider their applications under housing schemes.

Susheela, a caller from Gadag rued that she lived in a hut on one gunta land with her family in Adagi Somapura in Gadag taluk, and requested the government to allot her a house. Siddaramaiah also got three calls from visually impaired individuals.

Shamanna from Koppal said that he had been cheated by Tavarekere panchayat member under the Ashraya scheme. In response to a question, Siddaramaiah hinted that honorariums under Mythri and Manaswini schemes might be increased from the current Rs 500 per month.