Praja Seva Department to get minister soon: Satish Jarkiholi

The newly created Praja Seva Department in Karnataka will soon have a dedicated minister, said Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi. Speaking in Belagavi on Saturday, he said Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will allot the department to a minister who can spare sufficient time. Portfolios not yet assigned remain with the chief minister. The department has a 100-day target for ten identified tasks at district and state levels.

On the induction of a woman minister, Jarkiholi said the Congress high command will decide after the current legislature session. Former ministers Laxmi Hebbalkar, Umashree, and Gayatri are among the names. Jarkiholi said he had recommended Hebbalkar. The Women and Child Welfare portfolio will be given to the new woman minister, staying with the chief minister until then.

Jarkiholi also dismissed controversy over Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan not hoisting the flag on Independence Day, saying ministers have opted out before. He alleged the Belagavi City Corporation is delaying council meetings to avoid a resolution declaring Belagavi an inseparable part of Karnataka. On a Maharashtra dam proposal across the Krishna River, Jarkiholi said Maharashtra officials will meet district officials; the state will also discuss lifting water from Tilari Dam to Rakaskopp reservoir for Belagavi's drinking water.