From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 17: "Suicide is a cowardly act, does not solve any problem," said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a bid to downplay the opposition BJP-JD(S) supported controversy over the suicide of Mangaluru Deputy Superintendent of police M K Ganapati.

Participating in an interaction with districts journalists in Bengaluru on Saturday, Siddaramaiah sought to justify his comment by quoting the Chennai High Court judgement that ``suicide is not a solution to the problem, it is cowardly act of a person."

“Police suicide was high during the BJP rule," he said and quoted the National Crime Bureau report of 2007, when 24 policemen had committed suicide while in 2012 the number was down to 17,

Comparing our period, highest number of policemen committed suicide in BJP tenure," the Chief Minister remarked.

Admitting that there is lack of publicity about the pro-people programs of the State Government from the Information and Publicity department, the Chief Minister said that for next two years, he will give attention to revamp the department.

“In spite of several programmes of the State Government, not enough publicity was received for the achievements. Comparing to other state governments, I am far behind in using publicity. Marketing is very much important," he said explaining that the he was holding the portfolio of Information department and would look into its affairs in coming days”, Siddaramaiah said.

Regarding extension of night life in the city, Chief Minister said night life is needed. But the State Government will take appropriate decision after considering all pros and con without affecting the law and order and public peace, the State Government will take a decision to extend night life in the city, he said.

Districts reporters have raised the social and developmental issues of the districts. Scribes from Hyderabad Karnataka have raised the issues of delay in implementation of article 371 J and delay in implementing irrigation projects.

Senior journalist from Bellary, Shantakumari raised the issues of Devadasis.

Despite the ban on Devadasi system, it is prevailing in some parts of north Karnataka and children of Devadasis also continued in same path. The State Government should provide residential education to the children of Devadasis, she urged the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said the State Government has decided to open residential schools in every hoblis and will provide free education to the children of Devadasis, Reporters from Chamarajanagra and Mandya raised the issues of lack of infrastructure in their respective districts.

Reporters of Raichuru raised the problem of malnutrition and failure in implementation of Bala Sanjeevini scheme.