Sunday, February 12 2006 15:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said that the departments of youth affairs and tourism would get enhanced budgetary allocation, as the Government is seeking to give 'more priority' to them.

Speaking to reporters after attending the draw ceremony of the USD 175,000 WTA event here, he said that special attention would be given to these two departments.

He also said the major sports activities should not be confined to cities alone; they should be taken to district levels, so that youth take increasing interest in them.

Stating that the tourism department had been instructed to come up with more proposals to give a boost to the sector, he said the Government was keen on taking advantage of the natural bounties bestowed on the state.

The Chief Minister is slated to leave for Delhi this evening on a two-day visit, his first after assuming office.

Kumaraswamy said he would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Central Ministers and discuss developmental projects concerning the State, including those for which full approval is awaited.

He also announced that the WTA tournament would be made an annual feature and added that budgetary support for sport would be enhanced.