The much-awaited reconstitution of the Cabinet will take place only after the State receives rains and tides over the severe drought situation.
Speaking to reporters on his arrival at the airport in Mysuru on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he had planned the exercise this month. But, in view of the grim drought situation, it has been put off. “It will not happen this month”, he said before adding that the reconstitution can take place only after the State receives rains.
Pointing out that he had visited seven drought-hit districts so far, Mr. Siddaramaiah said attending to the situation arising out of drought had become the government’s priority and not reconstitution of the Cabinet.
Similiarly, he said the State government had planned to celebrate its third anniversary next month. But, the plans will be reviewed in view of the drought situation.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said he would visit more drought-hit regions on April 25, 26 and 27, besides May 2 and 3. Four ministerial teams headed by T.B. Jayachandra, V. Srinivas Prasad, H.K. Patil and R.V. Deshpande were already touring the areas assigned to them.
The Ministers have been instructed to resolve the problems on the spot, said Mr. Siddaramaiah, adding that priority was being given to ensure drinking water, fodder and creation of employment. The State government, which has already submitted a memorandum to the Union government seeking an assistance of Rs. 1,414 crore, had spent about Rs. 350 crore from its own funds to meet the drinking water needs. The Central funds are yet to be released, he added.
