Karnataka CM Shivakumar Warns Officials on Drought Negligence

K'taka CM Shivakumar warns of strict action against officials negligent in drought management

Kalaburagi, July 7

Addressing the Kalaburagi Divisional-Level Progress Review Meeting, the Chief Minister said his government's primary objective is to ensure transparent, people-centric and inclusive governance while safeguarding the rights of every citizen, particularly those at the grassroots.

"I will not tolerate officials who fail to work in the interest of the people. We are committed to clean, transparent and inclusive governance. Every citizen, especially the last person in society, must receive the benefits and rights guaranteed by the government," Shivakumar said.

The meeting marked the first divisional-level review of developmental works in North Karnataka since he assumed office as Chief Minister.

Emphasising accountability, Shivakumar said he was well acquainted with every level of the administrative system, having risen through various positions in public life.

"I began my political career as the president of a Taluk Panchayat and have worked my way up to the post of Chief Minister. I know what happens at every level of the administration. I am not prepared to accept excuses when it comes to development. What matters to me are results," he said.

The Chief Minister cautioned officials that while efficient performance would help fulfil the aspirations of the people, those who failed to discharge their responsibilities would face action.

"If your performance is good, you will have repaid the trust reposed in us by the people. But if you fail to work in a people-friendly manner, I will have no option but to initiate action against you," he warned.

Shivakumar directed officials to ensure effective management of the drought situation and said relief measures should reach all affected people without delay. He also instructed district administrations to ensure that there were no shortages in the supply of fertilisers and that lake-filling initiatives were implemented efficiently wherever required.

Referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Chief Minister stressed that no eligible voter should be deprived of the right to vote.

"Not even a single eligible voter should lose his or her voting rights. This is not about politics; it is about protecting the constitutional right of every citizen. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) must visit every household at least three times to ensure that all eligible voters remain on the electoral rolls. There can be no compromise on this," he said.

Speaking about water resources, Shivakumar said Karnataka's situation remained relatively stable despite concerns over deficient rainfall across the country.

He said the state government had initiated high-level discussions with the Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, as well as Union ministers, to find long-term solutions to inter-state water disputes.

"We have held historic discussions on resolving inter-state water issues. The Centre has responded positively to the proposal for linking the Krishna, Cauvery and Godavari rivers through a project estimated to cost around Rs 1 lakh crore. We have decided to rise above political differences and work together in the larger interest of the people," he said.

The Chief Minister assured that all development projects initiated during the previous Congress government under Siddaramaiah would continue without interruption.

"We will not only continue the ongoing development works but also accelerate their implementation. Our government will place greater emphasis on transparency, efficiency and a people-centric approach in governance," he said.

During the meeting, JD(S) MLA Karemma Nayak from Devadurga praised the Chief Minister, saying he had adopted a non-partisan approach towards development and was ensuring that projects were implemented without political discrimination.

— IANS