Indira Canteens may be extended across state, says Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said Indira Canteens will start in two months in all 198 wards of the city and based on their success, the scheme will be implemented across the state.

Speaking during the Kempegowda Jayanthi at the BBMP head office, Siddaramaiah hailed the BBMP for its tradition of paying homage to the founder of Bengaluru city. He said the state government will start observing Kempegowda Day across Karnataka on April 17. He said he will take a decision after consulting the head of the Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt, Swami Nirmalanandanatha.

Siddaramaiah emphasised that the BBMP should strive to achieve the Smart City tag. He advised the Palike administration to make the city clean by having a strong solid waste management system in place.

The chief minister said the state government has released a grant of Rs 7,300 crore for the improvement of the city’s infrastructure, which should be utilised completely by December-end.

“The works should not be limited only to groundbreaking ceremonies. There should be progress in the work, which should finish by December-end,” the chief minister said.

As many as 220 people got the Kempegowda Award on Tuesday as against 158 names announced on Monday under various categories.