Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Apr 1: In a rare gesture, unlike other officials or ministers from state or Centre, Kota Srinivas Poojary, Dakshina Kannada (DK) district-in-charge minister appeared live on Daijiworld Television from 11 am to 1 pm and took live calls from citizens and interacted on phone. He patiently listened to various callers and their problems.
Daijiworld’s well-known TV presenter Chetan Kumar Shetty moderated the live phone-in programme 'Hello Minster'.
Scores of calls from various walks of life, throughout DK, Udupi, Hassan, and other districts, flooded in during the live phone-in programme. Most of the calls from the public were concerning the increase in the price of the vegetables and the supply of ration.
Responding to the queries, Poojary said, "Public has shown positive response over the three days of lockdown in the district. On March 31, we relaxed the lockdown from 6 am to 3 pm, but people rushed to make purchases without practising social distancing. Realising this situation, we have decided to keep grocery shops open from 7 am to 12 pm from April 1.
"We had planned to arrange home delivery service for groceries but unfortunately the plan did not go as expected. Regarding opening up of Mangaluru-Kasargod borders, we will not compromise with the safety of our district, as there were 34 cases in a day in Kasargod. Meanwhile, there have been eight positive cases in the district, of which six people flew in from abroad," Poojary added.
A caller requested arrangement of cashews and coconuts for selling it in the market as people are dependent on it, to which Poojary assured to consider the matter.
In another announcement, Poojary said, "From April 2, we will provide ration to all BPL cardholders. At first, we will provide rice followed by wheat which will be provided within two days. Some have an APL card due to an error, they will be provided rice only after village accountant conducts supervision survey."
Regarding queries over home delivery of essentials, Poojary stated that the delay in implementation and lack of clarity over the issuance of passes to move around the city led to the failure of the plan.
Another caller urged to include social workers who are eager to come forward and render support amid the sensitive situation.
Meanwhile, another caller dialled in to complain about the rise in the rates of vegetables and other groceries. "We have received several complaints on the matter of hiked rates of vegetables. This is a serious issue which will be looked into in a meeting along with deputy commissioner to ensure uniformity in the prices," the district in-charge said.
In a warning, Poojary stated that the government would take action against gas agencies who fail to provide free gas service as per 'Ujwal Scheme' for beneficiaries.
One of the callers suggested the minister, to issue orders for cancelling shopkeepers’ license if he or she does not follow marking system where lines, shapes are drawn to facilitate sufficient space between customers. The caller also stressed on not relaxing any restrictions made for entry into central market. He requested for stern action against private vehicles for unnecessary movement around the city. Understanding the caller's concern, Poojary stated that the suggestions will be taken into consideration.
Further, he said, "There is no confusion regarding electricity bill, as complaints of MESCOM staff reading the meter is coming in. However, following the current situation, meter reading has been restricted. A lot of questions have been raised on whether electricity bill is free for three months or is it to be paid in a lump sum. I would like to clarify that electricity is not free. Considering the method of payment, the decision will be taken soon on if the public could pay their bills on an instalment basis.
"We all should unite in this fight against coronavirus because our carelessness will cripple us and lead to suffering of a majority of people," Poojary asserted.
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