From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Hubballi, Jan 10: With a view to help cancer patients, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has announced a Rs 5 crore grant to the Karnataka Cancer Therapy and Research Institute in Hubballi out of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.

He was addressing a function after declaring open the Renovated Bhanaji D Kimji Out-Patient Department and unveiling of the bronze statue of Padmashri Dr R B Patil at the Institute’s hospital in Navanagar in Hubballi on Tuesday.

The chief minister underscored the need for developing the Institute as a leading Cancer Treatment Centre to cater to the people of North Karnataka.

Bommai said Dr R B Patil dreamt of providing Ayurvedic treatment through scientific research and urged the people to extend their help for the growth and development of the Institute. The development of the Institute would help the people of at least two to three districts, he said.

The chief minister said will issue order to recognise the Institute as a government aided body to enable treatment to those having Ayushman cards.

The state government has already provided Rs 10 crore to help the cancer patients and avoid their running around to distant places for costly treatment.

Recalling that his mother had suffered from cancer, Bommai said the cancer patients and their relatives need to be mentally strong and face the challenge with courage and confidence. It is necessary for people to maintain healthy life style and avoid tobacco, he said explaining the various measures taken by the government to help the cancer patients and their families.

'Modi’s arrival will inspire youth'

Later, speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the seven-day national youth festival at Hubballi on January 12 would help in instilling confidence and inspiration to the youth.

Bommai said there will not be a road show during Modi’s arrival in the city. However, arrangements have been made to ensure that people can line up along the route and the Prime Minister will respond.

Answering questions, the Chief Minister said the government wants a free and fair as well as comprehensive probe into the various alleged transfer deals and scams involving Santro Ravi. Truth will come out after the probe, he said pointing out all the activities during the last 20 years will be probed.

To a question on the deadline issued by Panchamasali Lingayat Mutt seers to concede the community’s demand by the end of this month, he said the government has already decided on the communities to be included in category 2A. The exact quota and which community will get how much reservation benefit will be known after the final report of the Backward Classes Commission.

“We have to act as per law and it is not correct to issue deadlines, even though every community has the right to voice their demands,” he said.

The chief minister said the government is determined to solve the problems pertaining to the Mahadayi-Kalasa Banduri Nala project and implement it.