Friday, January 14, 2011

Representatives put forth wish-list to MP(Union & Railway Budget)

Representatives put forth wish-list to MP
TNN, Jan 13, 2011, 10.19pm IST

HUBLI: People have urged the Centre to improve the railway service in north Karnataka and introduce more trains from Hubli to different part of the country.

The demand was put forth during an interaction programme organized by MP Pralhad Joshi to know the problems being faced by various sections of the society like traders, industrialists, etc. The programme was held at KCCI office premises here on Thursday, in view of the forthcoming budget session.

The demands included one more daily train from Hubli to Bangalore (during night time), and trains to Mumbai and Rajasthan.

Representatives from University of Agricultural Science (UAS, Dharwad) said the Centre should allocate more funds to the university to carry out research work besides providing funds, and facilities for irrigation and cold storage for farmers.

Some of the representatives said there should not be foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail. "This will protect the interests of small traders involved in retail business," they said. The central government was also urged not to encourage bifurcation of universities.

There were also complaints against the government for not introducing railway services to Gulbarga, Mangalore and other interior parts of Karnataka from SWR zone.

The representatives urged the Centre to immediately clear the decks for the long-pending Hubli-Ankola railway project. It was also urged to take steps to revive small industries in north Karnataka region.

After listening to the grievances, the MP said he will bring the suggestions to the notice of the central government so they can be mentioned in Union budget.

Joshi said he will put pressure on the Centre to provide Rs 100-crore special grants for the development of UAS and to set up IIT at Dharwad.