Karnataka seeks Rs4329.40 crore central assistance

The Karnataka government on Friday requested the Centre to extend Rs4329.40 crore financial aid to transform Belgaum into the 'City of the Decade 2011-2021.'

"The project envisaged by the state proposes to provide citizens a safe and sustainable environment, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, service delivery, connectivity, and economic well-being, supported by an efficient governance framework," chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

To achieve the desired results in consonance with the Mission statement,the state government has prepared a detailed "City Development Strategy and Investment Plan for Belgaum City" , he said.

Total investments estimated for development infrastructure would be around Rs 4329.40 crore, he said and urged the prime minister to include the project in the ensuing budget as a special project.

The Karnataka government would be willing to bear 10% of the cost as per government of India guidelines, he said.

"I shall be thankful if you could kindly issue directions to the Union urban demelopment ministry to incorporate this project on priority to commemorate visit of Mahatma Gandhi to Belgaum City for the 39th Annual Session of the Congress and hope our request is considered favourably", he said.

The Karnataka Government is organising the second World Kannada literary conference in Belgaum next month.