Khader defends state budget

Urban Development Minister U T Khader on Saturday advised MLAs from the coastal region to stop creating controversies over lack of region’s proper representation in the budget and work collectively work for development.

“Representatives in the region are behaving irresponsibly by deliberately creating hatred against the state government. It is the continuation of the previous Congress
party’s budget,” he told reporters here.

“The BJP MLAs and the MPs should understand that the Central government has failed to provide kerosene to fishermen. Karnataka government is providing more facilities to fishermen than the Gujarat government. Our government has spent Rs 53 crore for kerosene distribution.”

“The previous Congress government implemented Rs 400 crore programmes in the coastal districts,” Khader said.

The minister warned of a protest against the central government if it fails to waive educational loans.

“Unemployment is on the rise and the Central government has failed on employment generation front as per its promise. While parents are tortured for loan repayment, children are unemployed after completion of their courses,” he charged.

He didn’t want to comment on the controversy surrounding Indira canteen.

He admitted the failure of the Mathru Purna Scheme in the coastal region.

On reduction in the quantity of rice Annabhagya Scheme, he said:”The BJP MLAs are making baseless allegations for political gain.

Khader said that Udupi CMC would be developed.

“A sum of Rs 48 crore will be released to solve the drinking water crisis. The tender will be invited shortly,” he said and added: The Coalition government will last its full term of five years. There are no differences among the coalition partners and all issues would be settled amicably.”

“The Slum Development Board will spend Rs 29 crore to construct 500 houses at Nittur, Kodankuru and Vishnumurthynagara.