"Won't Accept Flowers Or Shawls. People Can Give Books": Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that he would prefer books over flowers or shawls given by people as a mark of respect at various events.

Taking to Twitter, Siddaramaiah said, "I have decided not to accept flowers or shawls from people who often give it as a mark of respect. This is for during both personal and public events. People can give books if they want to express their love and respect in the form of gifts. May all your love and affection continue to be on me."

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that as promised, the Congress government has in principle approved the 5 Guarantees announced in the party's manifesto before the elections. The chief minister was addressing the media about the decisions taken in his first cabinet meeting after assuming office.

It is estimated that ₹1,200 crore is required to implement the Griha Jyoti scheme, to provide 200 Unit free power to every household. ₹2,000 per month will be transferred to the head woman of the family, 10 kg rice will be given under Anna Bhagya and ₹3,000/month will be given to unemployed graduates and ₹1,500 to diploma holders who have passed out during the current educational year for up to 2 years. Women, who are residents of the State, would be given free bus pass to travel in government Buses, he informed.

Guidelines are being worked out in detail and will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting, he said, adding that Cabinet has also decided to convene a legislature session from May 22 to 24, and the Budget will be presented in July.

According to preliminary estimates, ₹50,000 crore is required annually to fulfill the 5-guarantees, he said. Chief Minister also added that information about Indira canteen is also being sought and they would be started soon.

The newly sworn-in CM said that during the previous term, "We had fulfilled 158 out of 165 promises made in the Election Manifesto. We have kept our promises. Along with fulfilling the promises, we have implemented more than 30 new schemes such as Indira Canteen, loan waiver, Vidya siri, Shoe Bhagya, Pashu Bhagya etc., which were not included in the manifesto."