Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday announced that the 'Raitha Vidya Nidhi' scholarship scheme is being extended to girl students of classes 8 and 9, in view of the drop in their enrolment in rural areas.
A Government Order in this regard would be issued immediately, according to an official press release, after launching development works worth over Rs 244 crore in Vijayapura district.
Speaking about the poverty in northern Karnataka, Bommai said the living standards of people there had not improved despite "thousands of crores of rupees" being spent in the past.
"Elaborate discussions have been held for the development of northern Karnataka. Many reports have been presented, agitations have been held, thousands of crores has been spent... but when I see the living condition of the people here, their homes, education facilities, employment opportunities for the youth, I feel sad. It really hurts me. This has to change," Bommai said.
Emphasising timely completion of long-standing projects like the Upper Krishna Project-3, the chief minister said that the state government has already released Rs 2,500 crore for completing relief and rehabilitation of people who would be affected by the UKP-3.
He also said that the state cabinet has fulfilled the long-standing demand of grape farmers of the region by converting the Wine Board into Karnataka Grape and Wine Board, which would enable the farmers to be board members.
Referring to the demand for expansion of the under-construction Vijayapura airport, Bommai said the work on the airport is in progress. The demand for extension of its runway to enable landing of bigger aircraft, cargo handling facilities and other works would be fulfilled by providing an additional Rs 120 crore, he said.
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Published 25 December 2021, 17:14 IST