Cabinet approves cloud seeding programme

: The Karnataka cabinet Monday approved a cloud seeding programme, to be implemented in June, following reports that there would be deficit rainfall in the state.

Rural Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda told reporters here that his department has called a tender for two years for cloud seeding at a cost of Rs 88 crore.

The cabinet approved the proposal for Rs 93 crore, as the bidder quoted Rs 91 crore, he said, adding the amount also includes Rs two crore lump sum grant for the department.

Gowda had recently said cloud-seeding would be taken up by the end of June.

Among other cabinet decisions taken Monday were to promulgate an ordinance to 'protect' gazetted officers, who will face demotion or lose their jobs, as their recruitment process in 1998 by the Karnataka Public Service Commission was found to be irregular.

The move comes as at least 25 officers with 20 years service will lose their jobs when a High Court order on the matter is implemented.

Gowda said the cabinet decided to seek a detailed project report from RITES to set up a "no-frills" airport at Hassan by the state government, which would set up a Joint Venture company with Airports Authority of India for the purpose