SOCIAL ACTIVIST Anna Hazare continues to hound the state government over "inadequate steps taken to curb corruption". From May 1, Hazare will go on a fast unto death to press his demands.

On Monday, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had promised him suitable action against irregularities in government schemes in Ahmednagar and Solapur districts.

Hazare will begin his fast at his native village, Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar's Parner tehsil.

He had helped transform this village into a model rural dwelling self sufficient in power and drinking water and eco-friendly habitat having evolved its own soil and water conservation method.

From May 9, the venue of the protest will move to Solapur.

On Monday in Mumbai, Hazare had taken Deshmukh to task over red tape, employees' absence in offices, inordinate administrative delays, rampant corruption in water resource projects in his home district of Ahmednagar and a kerosene scam in Solapur. Deshmukh had directed officials concerned to take note of Hazare's charges and take quick action.

However, Deshmukh's promise does not seem to have pacified the activist. Hazare's official spokesperson told Hindustan Times over the phone from Ralegan Siddhi on Tuesday: "Anna discussed the matter with his colleagues and then arrived at a decision last (Monday) night that only a strong protest will yield positive results." Deshmukh, who is currently touring rural Maharashtra, was not available for comment.

Hazare's spokesperson said a departmental inquiry had recommended action against 56 corrupt officials of the Water Conservation Department. "But no action has been taken so far."

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