From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 30: In a major initiative to spread and propagate the ideals of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on the coming Gandhi Jayanthi Day on October 2, the Siddaramaiah ministry is launching a programme for construction of Gandhi Bhavans in all districts of Karnataka.

The foundation stones for construction of Gandhi Bhavans would be laid in district centres where land is readily available on October 2.

Work would start in other districts too without much delay after identifying the land, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said after a meeting with a delegation of Gandhians led by freedom fighter H S Doreswamy in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Funds for construction of Gandhi Bhavans has been provided in the State budget, the Chief Minister said.

He said committees comprising Gandhians of the respective districts would be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts for maintenance and active functioning of the Bhavans, Siddaramaiah assured.

Expressing dismay at politicians, youth and students distancing themselves from Gandhian values and ideology, the Chief Minister said the Gandhi Bhavans would conduct organise programmes and campaigns to spread Gandhian values and ideology, especially among the students.

He promised to take personal interest to ensure that these Bhavans fulfil their mandate.

Responding to a request from the delegation to distribute Khadi uniforms for students in government schools as part of the spreading Gandhian ideals, the Chief Minister said orders for purchase of uniforms had already been placed for this year.

However, he assured that a decision in this regard would be taken after discussing the issue with the officers while purchasing the uniforms for the next academic year.