Mysore/Mysuru: As part of its initiative of honouring Corona Warriors who are at the frontline in the battle against the deadly pandemic, the City BJP felicitated over 35 photojournalists and videographers at a programme organised at Vidyashankara Kalyana Mantapa near Gun House Circle here yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, District Minister S.T. Somashekar, who holds Co-operation portfolio, said that it is happy to note that photojournalists and videographers, who are part of Corona Warriors are being felicitated for their role in the fight against the pandemic.

Pointing out that the Centre, in association with the State Government, has come with ‘Arthika Spandana,’ a financial lending  plan for MSME entrepreneurs, marginal farmers, small traders and the like, who are in financial distress due to COVID-19 crisis, Somashekar said that the scheme is aimed at providing an interest-free loan of Rs. 2 lakh to each beneficiary.

Stating that the initiative has already been launched at Bengaluru with the lending of Rs. 15,300 crore to beneficiaries from districts of Bengaluru Revenue Division, he said that ‘Arthika Spandana’ in respect of Mysuru Revenue Division will take place at Mysuru on Oct. 2, marking Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.

The Co-operation Department too has come to the aid of the distraught farmers by extending liberal crop loans, he added.

Stating that the Government has decided to meet the medical expenses of Journalists who get infected with Corona virus, Somaskhekar reiterated that the State Government  is committed for the welfare of  the farming community.

Referring to Opposition Leader Siddharamaiah’s allegations against the Government, the Minister said that Siddharamaiah should not make charges outside the House and the Government was ready for replying to his charges if he raised corruption issues in the  Legislative Session.

MLAs S.A. Ramdas and L. Nagendra, MUDA Chairman H.V. Rajeev, City BJP President T.S. Srivatsa, District President Mangala Somashekar, MDJA President C.K. Mahendra, party leaders Jogi Manju, Giridhar and others were present.

2,000 persons to watch Dasara procession inside Palace?

State awaiting approval from Centre

Replying to a query on the State Government seeking permission from the Centre for allowing 2,000 persons to watch Dasara procession inside Mysore Palace, District Minister S.T. Somashekar said that the Government has written to the Centre through Mysuru DC seeking permission for 2,000 persons. 

But the Centre is yet to give permission for the numbers sought and the State is awaiting a reply from the Centre, he said.

However, there is still time for clearance from the Centre and the State will make necessary arrangements if the Centre gives nod for 2,000 persons or else will allow only the number specified by the Union Government, he added.