Better health facilities for Chamarajnagar, says H D Kumaraswamy

Mysuru: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday visited Bidaralli in Hanur taluk where 4 people had died and 17 others had fallen ill after  they had consumed prasada laced with poison at Kichguthi Maramma temple at Sulawadi on December 14 . The total casualties in the temple prasada tragedy stands at 17. 

The CM also met 40 affected families from other surrounding villages and consoled them and also announced additional relief programmes including better health facilities for them.

He told media persons, "besides consoling the people the main intention of my visit is to check the situation in these villages and know their problems so that we can come up with a  permanent solution. We have directed the DC of Chamarajnagar to come up with a blueprint of the programmes to be taken for the development of people of the region," he said. 

Addressing the affected people, Mr Kumaraswamy said, "Apart from Rs 5 lakh  ex-gratia which has already been given to the families of the deceased from the CM's relief fund, an additional Rs 1 lakh will be given from the backward class department and Rs 2 lakh from Ambedkar development corporation. We will build houses under Rajiv Gandhi housing scheme for those who have sites. And we will give sites to those who do not have sites. We will give agricultural land to those who do not have land. And for those who have agricultural land, we will buy agricultural equipment by making arrangements for even Rs 2 lakh of subsidy.  

We will help them in minor irrigation by spending Rs 9 Crores under Ambedkar development corporation. We have already taken the initiative to provide three taxis to the families of three victims. And we have started a programme called Kaayaka in the state—  a self help group with over 20 members, will be given interest-free loan of Rs 5 lakh and another Rs 5 lakh at four percent interest to 
take up ventures like manufacture of candles and will be provided marketing facilties too. We have directed the  Chamarajnagar DC to take up a pilot project to provide vocational training courses to employ jobless youth of the region. , I wish to ensure that no poor person feels that there is no support from the government and they live a peaceful life without any problems. So it is the responsibility of the government to provide a strong foundation for your life. Be courageous, don't be anxious," he said. 

The CM also  said the Maartalli primary health care centre would be provided additional infrastructure worth Rs 20 lakhs and upgraded to provide 24/7 health care. A ventilator fitted ambulance would be given to the Martalli PHC. “Also we will start a high school in this place from the next academic year," he said. 

He promised the people present that he would visit them again before January 15 and spend a whole day with them.