Tuesday, February 7 2006 15:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today (Feb 7 2006) said he would soon lead a delegation to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to press for according classical language status for Kannada.

Addressing writers and intellectuals at a meeting convened by him to seek their guidance on the programmes the state has to draw up to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the state's formation here, he said the new government would continue efforts to get classical language status for Kannada.

Kumaraswamy hailed the initiatives made in this regard by the previous Government headed by Dharam Singh. He said the Government has already released Rs 10 crore for preparations for the celebrations and assured that suggestions which emanated from this meeting would be incorporated while taking decisions.

The Government has plans to organise cultural shows in and around Vidhana Soudha every Sunday to encourage folk art and other forms of arts which were on the verge of extinction.

Kumaraswamy directed the DGP B S Siyal that while ensuring safety of landmark buildings like Vidhana Soudha, Vikas Soudha and High Court, there should not be much restrictions on movement of people.

Kumaraswamy, who is also a film producer and distributor, promised to convene a meeting of film industry representatives to discuss the industry problems.