Wednesday, March 29 2006 15:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka Government today (Mar 29, 2006)pledged to spend Rs 550 crore over the next five years to implement developmental programmes under eleven missions, outlined by the President A P J Abdul Kalam, for the state.

Kalam had spelt out the missions in his address to the joint session of the state legislature in January, marking the celebration of golden jubilee of Karnataka's formation.

Replying to the debate on the state budget for 2006-07, in the assembly, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who holds the Finance portfolio, announced the setting up of a high-level committee to monitor implementation of the Dr. D M Nanjundappa committee report on correcting regional imbalances.

He also announced an increase of Rs 10 crore in the allocation for setting up of crcuit benches in North Karnataka region, taking the total funds earmarked to Rs 30 crore. Around Rs nine crore to 10 crore was allocated for development in the plains (Bayaluseeme).

Yediyurappa dismissed opposition's allegation of reduced budgetary support for various sectors including agriculture and irrigation, asserting that more funds have been set apart.

Gram Panchayats which make timely clearance of power bills would get 25 per cent susbidy, he said.

He said Rs 15 crore has been provided in the budget totake up welfare programmes in naxal affected areas and ruled out further extension of time for farmers to avail the 'interest waiver scheme'. The government had extended time till April 30, a deadline that expired in September 30 last.

The JDS-BJP government once again disappointed six lakh Government employees, whom it had promised to grant 10 per cent interim relief on the recommendations of fifth pay commission as a gift on Ugadi festival, celebrated in the state tomorrow.

Yediyurappa defended the delay in taking a decision saying the matter which was to come before the cabinet meeting yesterday could not be debated as the meeting was postponed due to some unavoidable reasons.

It has been estimated that the government needed Rs 550 crore to pay interim relief and the issue would soon be decided at the cabinet meeting, he promised.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had promised employeesthat the government would announce the interim relief as a Ugadi festival gift.

The house approved by voice vote, the Karantaka Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill 2006 amidst walk out by opposition Congress. 'Populist' and the charged that the government had no clearcut policy on the issue of development.

Opposition Congress leader N Dharam Singh charged that the BJP had hidden agenda and the government has reduced allocation to vital sectors like agriculture and irrigation.

Yediyurappa who presented the 2006-07 budget on March 20had sought a vote on account for four months ending July 31, 2006.

The assembly also passed by voice vote Taxation Laws bill.