The state government has appealed to the Union government to declare the Upper Bhadra project a ‘National Project.’

The project envisages to bring water to the parched Shimoga, Kolar, Tumkur and Chikballapur districts.

A proposal to this effect was submitted to the Planning Commission by a delegation of ministers, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

An appeal was also made to the Union government to provide financial assistance for the Rs 8,000 crore Yettinahole project.

The Planning Commission was also requested to extend the mid-day meal programme to secondary education.

The state government also sought Central support for establishing IIT and 20 model colleges in educationally backward districts and set up a world-class university in Mysore.

Seeking cent per cent central assistance for post-metric scholarship for SC/ST students, the state government sought the Centre to bear the total cost of construction of new hostels for SC/ST boys and girls and also the recurring cost of these hostels.

The delegation also appealed the Planning Commission for approval of the Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro and a sub-urban railway project for the city at a cost of Rs 8,759 crore.

The delegation also sought environmental clearance for the  proposed Tadri Port Project, Hubli-Ankola Rail Line project, four power projects and several other projects proposed by the KIADB.