Mysore/Mysuru: Experts from various fields came out with their suggestions for the development of city and district, during a preliminary discussion organised by Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA), ahead of the forthcoming State Budget to be tabled on Feb. 16 at the Legislative Assembly.

MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah, who inaugurated the meeting organised at The Institution of Engineers-India (IEI), Mysuru Local Centre, on JLB Road in the city yesterday, urged to give priority for providing basic infrastructural facilities towards tourism development, Mysore Airport and also cleanliness, along with giving impetus for the development of industries.

He also opined that ‘It would be better to provide further extension in service for Dr. C.N. Manjunath, who is demitting office on Jan. 31 (today) as the Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. Dr. Manjunath, who is known for his professional dedication, should be continued in the office at least in the interest of cardiac patients.’

MLC C.N. Manjegowda said, “Budgetary allocation should be provided for setting up of Cold Storage at Old RMC, shelter for farmers, international market for flowers, development of new layout by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), repair works of Government buildings and Water Treatment Plants.”

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRSS) President Badagalapura Nagendra demanded restoration of heritage buildings, market for branded products, supply of millet-based foods produced through organic farming method, small scale industries and food industries.

Former Mayor P. Vishwanath, who is also the Vice-President of Mysore Industries Association (MIA), reiterated the demand for Rs. 1 crore funds to restore defunct Export Centre at Hebbal, followed by cut in tax slab for small scale industries, creation of Industrial Township Authority and also the heritage buildings in the city.

Congress Spokesman M. Lakshmana came out with a list of suggestions like that of, forming exclusive Authority for Dasara, upgradation of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) on the lines of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi,  expanding the borders of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), Smart City project, expansion of Maharani’s Science and Arts College and hostel building, separate hostel for Pourakarmika children, Skill Training Centre for Deaf and Dumb children and tourism circuit plan.

B.S. Prashanth, President of Federation of Organisations and Associations of Mysuru (FOAM), insisted on realising the long-pending Film City project in Mysuru, besides setting up a Tourism Centre.

While C.T.  Jayakumar of Mysore Travels Association (MTA) exhorted for a slash in entry tax for inter-State tourist vehicles coming to the city.

M.R. Rajaram of Film Exhibitors Association demanded for a cut in tax imposed for cinema theatres and other businesses. Pro-Kannada activist M. Shivashankar suggested to take measures to remove the silt at KRS and Kabini Dams to increase water storage capacity.

Hotelier P.V. Giri also insisted on expanding Mysore Airport, dedicated market, measures to complete Dasara works six months in advance, giving due priority for tourism development.

Bhamy V. Shenoy said, “Government schools are losing children often to third or fourth rate private schools. Parents though they cannot afford to send their children are struggling to give quality education with the belief that private schools are better. State Government should develop a strategy to bring back the children to Government schools by improving their infrastructure, better teachers and management. This should be done on a war-footing.”

K.R. Hospital should be bought back to its old glory by giving enough budgetary allocation, followed by setting up an independent Board like the one for Bengaluru to manage water supply and sewage handling for Mysuru by divesting responsibility from MCC. Finally city’s parks are in bad shape and many are encroached upon. So, budgetary support should be given to re-establish Mysuru as a Garden City, he added.

Former Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa, historian Prof. N.S. Rangaraju, President of Mysuru Hotel Owners Association C. Narayanagowda, President of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) K.B. Lingaraju, industrialist Suresh Kumar Jain, MDJA General Secretary M. Subramanya, farmer leader Hosakote Basavaraju and several others were present.