Bharat Ratna for Siddaganga seer: Will send fresh proposal, says Bommai

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that a fresh proposal will be sent soon to the Centre recommending posthumous award of the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, to centenarian seer Sri Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga Mutt.

Addressing presspersons after taking part in a ‘Dasoha Dina’ programme to commemorate the third death anniversary of the seer, Bommai asserted that he will tread the path of the swamiji.

The ‘walking god’ was instrumental in ensuring free food, shelter and education for the weaker sections of society through various charity institutions of the mutt.

“The government has dedicated itself to providing the ‘Thrividha Dasoha’ of Anna (food), Akshara (education) and Ashraya (shelter) for the weaker sections of society. This is a day that conveys the importance of food, education and shelter. The State Government has raised the per capita quota of rice for Anna Dasoha from 4 kg to 5 kg. Ragi and Jowar, too, are being distributed in accordance with regional food habits. Ration is being provided to Mutts and other charitable institutions which are involved in Anna Dasoha,” the CM said.

As for Akshara Dasoha, the Vidya Nidhi scheme has been introduced for children of farmers while Rs 150 crore has been released for direct disbursement of scholarships for children of construction workers, Bommai informed.