Follow CMP, govt instructs panchayats

The coalition government in Karnataka has issued a stern warning to all government officials as well as leaders of zilla panchayats to implement policies and projects as per the Common Minimum Programme (CMP).

After a two-day meeting with zilla panchayat heads and senior IAS and IPS officers, chief minister N Dharam Singh said, "We have ascertained their problems and given them necessary help including release of funds. We will review their performance and hold a similar meeting after four months."

On allegations and media reports stating that the state had not released sufficient funds, Singh said, "There is absolutely no problem with funds for any of the programmes."

Singh said that the government had already released 25 per cent of the amount that it would disburse as loans to co-operatives. The total amount committed by the state government for this programme was Rs 50 crore. This loan will be given to farmers from 2 October, at an interest rate of six per cent.

Deputy chief minister and finance minister Siddaramaiah said that the state had also released Rs 81 crore from a total commitment of Rs 146 crore, which will be given as a subsidy for small scale industries.

It was also decided in the meeting that the state government will intervene if the price of important agricultural products fall below their Minimum Support Price (MSP). "We have decided to go for market intervention if the price of certain items goes below their MSPs," Siddaramaiah said.

As there has already been a delay, zilla panchayat leaders have been asked to ensure that school students get their text books for the current year within the next 10 days.

"We are planning to decentralise printing of these text books from next year. Panchayat leaders will be held accountable for any lapses and we will not hesitate to take action in case of any laxity on their part," Siddaramaiah added.