Crisis paralyses administration

Political crisis in the state has not only affected the pace of relief and rehabilitation works in North Karnataka, but has also hit several development works elsewhere too, including in Bangalore.

The ambitious plan to net over Rs9,000 crore under the ‘Akrama Sakrama’ scheme for regularisation of illegal structures, unauthorised sites and layouts has taken a hit. The cabinet sub-committee headed by Transport minister R Ashok has already finalised the penalty rates for regularisation and the cabinet was expected to consider it. But thanks to the political crisis, the cabinet meeting was cancelled and it is unlikely to meet till the crisis blows over.

Similarly, a private company is eager to make a presentation to the state government on its proposal to implement an effective monorail transport service in Bangalore. But the chief minister, who is in-charge of the infrastructure ministry, is too busy. So are ministers in-charge of Bangalore, Ashok and Katta Subramanya Naidu.

The prices of rice and pulses, meanwhile, are spiralling. The price of rice has touched Rs35 in retail market. But food and civil supplies minister Halappa, who had promised to launch state-wide raids against hoarders, has found no time to take stock of the issues pertaining to his ministry.

Halappa, who has identified himself with the chief minister’s camp, has also not pushed ahead his proposal to open Akki Santhes in all the localities of Bangalore to ensure direct sale of rice from mills to consumers at a lower price, Karnataka Trade Union Congress leader G Shivashankar pointed out during a chat with DNA.

The mobile hospital programme, which proposes to bring healthcare to the common man’s doorstep, has taken a hit due to the political crisis. With health minister Sriramulu himself being in the forefront of the rebel charge, the issue has no hope of coming up for consideration in the near future.