Karnataka

Prominent citizens set agenda for CM

MG Prabhakar

Bangalore: While Congress leader Siddaramaiah is all set to take over as the chief minister, citizens from all walks of life expect that the “meticulous man with a head for figures” will restore order and bring stability.

Administration

■ Restore order and stability

■ Disciple the system and try to reduce political interference

■ Give purpose to the government through short and long term plans

■ Concentrate on improving physical infrastructure and generate revenues

■ Bring about probity and integrity in government

—K Jairaj, former additional chief secretary

Infrastructure

■ Build trust that city’s issues will be addressed

■ Set up regional governance structure -Metropolitan Planning Council

■ Solid waste management

■ Expedite completion of ongoing projects

■ Sustainable water supply

V Ravinchandar,

civic affairs expert

Film Industry

■ In consultation with the Centre, do away with service tax levied on actors

■ Remove VAT on film industry

■ Build mini theatres at least in 30 districts

■ Film city at Hesaraghatta

■ Subsidy to be increased from 75 to 100 movies

— Vijay Kumar, president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce

Education

■ Revisit Karnataka State Universities Act to form a common ground for academic programmes across state universities and introduce choice-based credit system

■No interference from the state government on appointment of VCs

■An institute exclusively for training school teachers on lines of academic staff in colleges

■ Provide physical and academic infrastructure in government schools

■ An incentive system for universities

—A M Pathan, retired VC of Central University, Karnataka and VC of Karnatak University, Dharwad.

Law and Order

■ Clear distinction between law and order

■ Machinery to increase coordination between the police and prosecution

■ State should refrain from interfering in police investigations

■ Skilled policemen should not be used as orderlies

■ State must avoid frequent transfers of officers 

— M D Singh, former DG&IGP

Health Care

■ Yeshaswini Scheme to provide healthcare  for farmers should be strengthened before merging it with the Vajpayee Arogyashree Scheme

■ Intensive Coronary Care Unit ( have to be established in all taluks and district hospitals in the state

■ Improve infrastructure in existing medical colleges. Facilities for safe drinking water is required. Nutritious food must be provided to underprivileged children in pre-schools and middle schools and pregnant women to prevent malnutrition

— Dr C N Manjunath, Head of Cardiology, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research

Capital Infusion

■ Housing for both rural and urban areas

■ Though previous government tried to bring in capital for industries, there has been an overall dip in production. Currently, Agriculture (18%) and industries (26%) contribute 44% to GSDP.

■ Karnataka needs capital infusion. The money need not be raised through international sources but the state should be able to generate funds or get it from other states.

■ Corruption is everywhere. The CM has to restore the eroding confidence in governance and discipline.

— Abdul Aziz, Visiting Professor at National Law School India University and  Institute of Social and Economic Change

Power Sector

■Additional generation is the need of the hour

■Wasteful expenditure must be checked

■Agricultural power must be metered.

■MW solar projects around `30-35 crore in each district 

— MG Prabhakar, chairman of Energy Committee in  Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry

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