Bengaluru: Minister of state for home affairs, G Kishan Reddy held a press conference in Bengaluru on Monday (September 23).

Through the presser, he informed the citizens the steps taken by the government of India to spread information about the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and the intention behind it, as also the way forward in ensuring that the state gets all the facilities.

As part of the campaign to meet intellectuals and apprise them of the move to abrogate the Articles in question, the minister of state for home affairs also met former Lokayukta N Venkatachala.
He said, “The administration of the newly formed Union territories will start on October 31, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Lieutenant Governors for the UTs will also be appointed. We will give employment to 5 people in every village.”

He also added that a survey had been ordered to look into the status of thousands of temples and educational institutions with a view to reopening them in the coming days.
“There are thousands of temples, cinema theatres and educational institutions in the state.  We are getting a survey done so as to check their status. If they still remain dysfunctional, we will take measures to reopen them.”

Praising PM Modi for the speech he delivered at the Howdy, Modi event, he added that it was due to the Prime Minister that the abrogation was a successful affair. He then categorically said stone-pelters’ behaviour will be rectified.

“We will give computers, pens and even the national flag to such people. All this while, they used to pelt stones. But with computers and other such devices, their future will be taken care of,” he added.

Finally, on the burning question of Centre not releasing funds for the flood victims of North Karnataka, the minister said, “It’s not only Karnataka, but many other states have also been affected by rains. We know the pain of the victims. We have sought a report from the experts. Once they give it, we will disburse the amount.”