From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 26: Coastal Mangaluru and five other major cities of Karnataka will get a grant of Rs 1,188 crore from the Centre during 2017-18 under the Smart City Mission Project.
The other five cities chosen under the Smart City Mission Project are: Belagavi, Tumakuru, Shivamogga, Hubballi-Dharwad and Davangere.
Addressing the people of Karnataka on the occasion of 68th Republic Day at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Thursday, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala said the Smart City Mission project has been envisioned to provide hassle free smart solutions at reasonable cost in respect of delivery of services and building infrastructure in six cities.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad, Bengaluru Urban district Deputy Commissioner V Shankar and other dignitaries were present.
After unfurling the national flag, Vala inspected the guard of honour from an open jeep.
The Governor said Karnataka has achieved commendable milestones in making “Swacha Karnataka”.
“Mysuru City has been awarded as the best and the first cleanest City in the country and we must feel proud of this feat,’’ he said.
He said a sum of Rs 776 crore had been released for Smart City Mission project during 2016-17.
Karnataka continued to lead the country in the IT/BT sectors which are growing at a rate of 10-12 per cent providing new 70,000 jobs every year, the Governor said.
He said the Karnataka Global Information System (GIS) was the first of its kind mission in the country that provided for common platform networking the departments and citizens for sharing geo-spatial information based governance.
Sarvottam Seva Awards Conferred
The State government has given Sarvottam Seva awards for 11 civil servants and Life Saving Award for two persons for their outstanding contributions during the services.
The Governor conferred the awards to government employees at the Republic Day programme at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds.
The awards carry cash of Rs 25,000, a citation and a shawl.
Prominent award winners are: Jyothi K. (Director, Department of Treasuries), and K.A. Dayananda (Director, Kannada and Culture Department).
The Governor also presented Life Saving Award to two persons: S Duleep Kumar and L Y Rajesh.
Cultural pageantry by 2,500 schoolchildren and march-past by several contingents of armed and police forces marked the Republic Day celebrations.
A large number of people, including VIPs and dignitaries, witnessed the two-hour celebrations and enjoyed the rhythm of patriotic songs amid tight security.
Students of Government High School, Hegganahalli and Uttarahalli; Martin Luther English School, Girinagar and St Philomena’s English School, Doddabommasandra participated in the cultural show.
More photos to be added