State to purchase 1,000 MW to solve power crisis: Shankaramurthy

Speaking to press persons on Monday, he said “State will get 1,000 mega watt additional power from Tuesday. This will solve the intensity of the problem.”  He said “previous governments have failed to take steps to produce electricity in the State.

The machinery at Raichur Thermal power plant is old. The government will take a steps to see that there is additional power in the next three years.” Shankaramurthy said “government had to spend Rs 3,000 crore for the electricity last year. This year, the State has received good rainfall. However, we could not carry on owing to the shut down of Raichur units.”

Budget on March 5

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will present budget on March 5. The Rs 29,560 crore budget will be presented. Last year, we had presented Rs 29,500 crore budget, he added. Shankaramurthy said: “Providing basic facilities, drinking water facilities and education will be the highlight of the State budget. Our government is always in favour of farmers. However, we can not present a separate budget for farmers. The tax collection has been good in the State.”

To a query on the statement by Union Minister for Law and Justice Veerappa Moily that the government will not last for a day if Sonia Gandhi makes up her mind, he said State government has the support of 122 MLAs. No one can shake the government.

Shankaramurthy said: “Industries are essential for the progress of the country. About 67 per cent of population dependent on land. It is essential to acquire land for setting up of industries. However, land will be acquired only after providing proper compensation to the farmers.”  MLA C T Ravi, leaders Rajappa and others were present.