The Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr D.V. Sadananda Gowda, has said that the State Government has constituted a committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary of the State to study the Lokayukta report on illegal mining.

Speaking at meet-the-press programme organised by the Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists' Association here on Sunday, Mr Gowda said that the committee, after studying the report, will suggest the actions to be taken in this matter. The committee is expected to give its report in a month, he said.

To a query on granting complete autonomy to the Lokayukta institution, he said he will consult this matter with the seniors in the party and come out with a suitable decision on this. However, he is personally of the view that the institution should be granted the complete autonomy, he said.

Mr Gowda said that he will be meeting the Principal Secretaries and other officials of the State Government from Tuesday to Thursday. During these days, he will discuss the problems and issues of 24 departments in the state.

Areca disease

To a query on the “yellow leaf disease” in arecanut plantations in Sullia and Sringeri taluks, he said the State Government has been releasing funds for the past two years to study the disease and survey the affected areas. Survey has been completed in Sringeri taluk. The State Government has approached the Centre's National Horticulture Mission to take up alternative crops in the affected regions.

The Centre's help has been sought for finding a suitable solution to the problem, he said.

The Chief Minister said that he will meet the press for an hour once in a week in Bangalore. During that period, he will review progress in various areas of the past week and also set agenda for the coming week.

In the same way, he will also have a two-hour breakfast meeting with the Opposition leaders once in a week, either on Tuesday or Wednesday, he added.

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