Karnataka to distribute another set of uniforms

The scheme will benefit 46.40 lakh students and cost the exchequer of Rs 106.26 crore, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri told reporters while briefing today's cabinet decisions.

The government hitherto provided one set of uniforms and a second set would be distributed during this academic year, he said.

The Centre had taken a decision to distribute uniforms to girl students, those belonging to SCs, STs and OBCs numbering about 37.50 lakh, but state government chose to cover the remaining 8.90 lakh students too under the scheme, he said.

The cabinet in another major decision authorised the Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar to formulate the state's opinion to seek Central funds for employment, education and overall development of North Karnataka region under Article 371 J of the Constitution, which the Centre proposed to amend.

The UPA government has sought the opinion of the state on the issue, he said.

The Constitution amendment bill that aimed to provide special benefits to backward north Karnataka districts was expected to be tabled in parliament in the coming session that begins from November 22.

The government decided to institute "sarvotham seva award" to those category "C" government employees who have rendered good service in a bid to enthuse the employees.

The award at district level to be given to six employees will carry Rs 20,000 cash incentive and at state level 38 awardees get Rs 40,000 cash reward, Kageri said.

It was decided to enhance the honorarium being paid tom 23,000 daily wage employees working in various departments by Rs 1,000 per month from this April one, he said.

The cabinet notified 21 general holidays to be given during the 2013 to government offices.

The meeting also decided that the state unveil new solar policy to enhance power production from the existing level of 100 mw to 1,000 mws, Kageri said.