Bengaluru, Nov 2 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has agreed to reduce the price of curd by Rs 2 per litre following his suggestion, while defending the recent hike in milk prices, saying it would benefit 11 lakh farmer families across the state.
He said he had conveyed the suggestion to the KMF delegation who had called on him to felicitate him.
“I have suggested to them (KMF office-bearers) to reduce the curd prices, they have agreed to reduce it by Rs 2 per litre,” Shivakumar said.
Responding to a question on the difference in prices of various categories of milk, he said milk with higher fat content was priced higher.
“Officials will explain the details regarding the difference in prices,” he said.
The Karnataka Cabinet had on Thursday decided to hike Nandini brand milk prices by Rs 8 per litre, out of this Rs 7 would go to farmers and Rs 1 to the cooperatives (Karnataka Milk Federation). The price hike has come into effect from November 1.
Subsequently KMF has increased the price of curd by Rs 14 a litre and that of a few varieties of special and toned milk by as much as Rs 12.
The BJP women’s wing on Monday staged a protest at Freedom Park here against the hike in milk prices by the Congress government, demanding a rollback of the increased prices. Similar protests were held in other parts of the state.
Defending the milk price revision, Shivakumar questioned the criticism over the increase, pointing out that there was little public discussion when bottled water prices went up.
“There is definitely anger among people. Nobody speaks when the price of bottled water increases because the GST goes to the Centre. The increase in milk prices will help lakhs of farmer families,” he said.
Pointing out that there was demand to increase prices by Rs 12 per litre, he said, “Also milk was going to other states because of higher prices there. Now following this increase I’m told that about 10 lakh litres have started coming back to us.”
On the possibility of a bus fare hike, the CM said the Transport department would take a decision.
“Due to the increase in petrol and diesel prices, it has become difficult to meet the daily expenditure on diesel. We decided to provide special grants to ensure that the transport system continues to function,” he said.
He noted that his government has decided to introduce a revised calculation mechanism to operate buses in areas with low passenger traffic.
“We have instructed the Transport Department to take a decision on the fare revision,” he said.
Asked about the demands raised by representatives of contractors’ associations, the Chief Minister said discussions have been held with them and that outstanding dues amounted to Rs 38,000 crore.
“Several works undertaken during the last six months of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s tenure remained pending. We have now brought the situation under control,” he said.
He said the bills pertaining to Public Works Department in Bengaluru were being cleared and that substantial dues remained pending under the irrigation department.
“Some of the demands raised by the contractors’ association have been accepted,” Shivakumar said.
On his proposed visit to Hiriyur, the CM said it was his responsibility to oversee the preparations for the upcoming bypolls.
“Several development works have been undertaken in Hiriyur. I will visit the town on Tuesday and inaugurate various projects,” he said. PTI KSU ROH
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