Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 16: Minister for food and civil supplies U T Khader on Monday October 16 announced that Indira Canteens will be launched in Dakhina Kannada by January 2018, in line with the state government's recent decision to start such canteens in every district and taluk of the state by new year.

Addressing a press meet here, Khader said, "As per chief minister Siddaramaiah's orders, we will start Indira Canteens where food will be available at cheaper rates. Five canteens will be set up within Mangaluru City Corporation limits, and one each in Bantwal, Puttur, Sullia and Beltangady taluks.

"Food for 500 people at a time will be arranged in places with population of 45,000 to 1 lac, and for 300 people at a time in places with population of 25,000 to 45,000. There will be separate a kitchen in areas with more than three canteens, and attached where there is only one canteen in an area. Local representatives have been asked to identify the areas. The building design will be common for all Indira Canteens," he informed.

Commenting on BJP's allegations against Congress Karnataka in-charge K C Venugopal, Khader said, "BJP is unable to digest the way K C Venugopal is strengthening the party, so now BJP is trying to protest against him. Instead of protesting and levelling fake allegations, it would be better to focus on doing something good for the people."

When asked about prevalence of drug mafia at Ullal, Khader said, "Stringent action will be taken against any gang found to be involved with the drug mafia. The government has given free hand to the police department to deal with them, but at the same time to ensure that innocents are not tormented. We need to unite and fight against drug menace in the district instead of politicizing it. There should be discussions on all angles in order to take long term decisions in this regard. This is an inter-state issue, so both the state and the centre should look into this matter, and at the same time public participation is also important, and so also the involvement of police and counselling and treatment to drug addicts."