Karnataka govt praised for fight against Covid

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala appreciated B S Yeduyurappa's government for efficient tackling of Covid-19 pandemic. Vala also lauded the state government's efforts in city development and other welfare schemes.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala appreciated the state government's effort to tackle Covid-19 pandemic. The state has set a role model in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

Addressing the people after unfurling the tricolour flag to mark the 72nd Republic Day at the Manekshaw parade ground, Vajubai Vala said that the state has succeeded in combating the pandemic."Now, we have stepped into the new year with a new spirit and hope. I feel proud of Karnataka," he said.

"It is a victory against the invisible enemy. We have used this crisis as an opportunity to enhance our capacity and increase our health infrastructure, PPE kits, and ventilators which is in resonance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat," he added.

Vajubhai Vala, who wore a traditional Gujarati turban on the occasion of Republic Day, greeted the state's people and said that he dedicated the Republic Day ceremony to the human spirit.

Listing out measures taken by the government during the Covid-19 crisis, he said the financial assistance of Rs 5,372 crore was given to 63,59000 beneficiaries, which included farmers, workers from unorganized sectors, auto-rickshaw drivers, weavers, and others.

He pointed out that India had not only begun to produce Covid vaccines but also exporting them. This is a significant step in our country's progress. Prime Minister Modi launched the vaccine drive on January 16 and Karnataka, in cooperation with the central government, took steps to deliver the vaccine to every nook and corner of the state, he said.

This year, the women-centric budget would be given priority. Efforts are being made to serve pregnant women through anganwadis, health care workers. Rs 8,015 crore has been allocated for the conservation of lakes. The smart city project is changing the look of the city. Project waste to fuel has been implemented with Rs 210 crores, he said.

"We have increased the reservation for women in the police force to 25%. Sub inspectors age limit has been increased to two years. The recruitment for 1568 Fire Emergency Service has begun," he added.

Karnataka's Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa greeted Governor Vajubhai Vala during flag hoisting.