DVS for budget of content, not size

BANGALORE: Unlike his predecessor B S Yeddyurappa, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda is more worried about the contents of the budget than its size.“My priority is to present a far-sighted budget and not one with the temporary and populist programmes. I am not bothered about the size of the budget; I am keen on presenting a good budget which can boost overall development,” Gowda told reporters here on Tuesday.The pre-budget consultations were almost over, Gowda said, adding that he would soon convene a meeting with farmers seeking their suggestions and demands to be included in the Agri-budget.Gowda is presenting a separate budget for agriculture, a practice started by his predecessor. All deputy commissioners and tahsildars have been instructed by the chief minister to address drinking water problems on priority basis.He said after his “Janata Darshana” that he had asked the district administrations to be on their toes as the drinking water problem is going to be severe this summer. “I have also decided to hold video conferencing every week to assess the situation,” he added.Gowda said the owners of private borewells would be persuaded to cooperate with the administration to tide over the water problem. However, he made it clear that no force would be used against them.Bonanza for K’taka Hockey PlayersExpressing happiness over the performance of the Indian hockey team, which qualified for the London Olympic Games, the chief minister said that all players from the state would be honoured soon.LEGISLATURE TELECAST FACILITY: CM HOLDS MEETThe chief minister met senior officials on Tuesday to explore possibilities of a dedicated telecast facility for both the houses of the state Legislature. CM D V Sadananda Gowda held consultations with Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah and Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy on whether live feed of Legislature proceedings must be provided, on the lines of that in the Parliament.Senior director of Doordarshan Bangalore division, Mahesh Joshi, and officials of both the houses of the Secretariat were also present at the meet.The CM later addressed the media that a study team comprising the Assembly Speaker and Council Chairman will visit New Delhi and submit a report, containing technical and financial details on the issue.“The state government will take a decision after going through its feasibility,” he said. He denied that the meeting was convened to bar private channels from recording or telecasting proceedings in both the houses of the Legislature.Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah, who was also present, said that the proposed system would be introduced only after renovating the Legislative Assembly Hall.The Council Hall, though, has already been renovated, he added.