Title - Karnataka seeks special grant for Bangalore development

The Karnataka Government has sought special grant from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for development of the IT hub Bangalore, Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok said today.Speaking to reporters after flagging off the new Pantry attached high-tech bus of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus here, Mr Ashok, who along with Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar met the Prime Minister at Delhi yesterday, said that 'Dr Singh has given a positive response for the special grant.' He said, besides special grant, financial assistance was also sought from the Centre during the meeting for implementing fourth phase work of Metro Rail.Mr Ashok said the Prime Minister has assured to give more assistance for taking up drought relief works and has promised to send a central team to the State.Mr Ashok, who is also Minister for Transport, said it has been decided to purchase 919 new buses, including about 700 ordinary buses.This year 1320 Bus Conductors would be recruited on the basis of highest marks scored in the examination to be held on the lines of Common Entrance Test (CET).Mr Ashok said to begin with KSRTC has purchased 6 hi-tech buses with catering facility and it would be run between Chennai-Bangalore and Bangalore-Tirupathi. (