Minister Acharya Distributes Keys of Tourist Taxis to SC/ST Youth
News & Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SB)
Udupi, Aug 3: A distribution programme of tourist taxis to unemployed youth belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST), was held at the headquarter of district administration here on Tuesday August 3.
The district-in-charge minister Dr V S Acharya handed over the keys of tourist taxis to 21 beneficiaries. The taxis were granted by the state department of tourism and district administration.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr V S Acharya said that the state administration has introduced this scheme for the benefit of unemployed youth since there are ample opportunities for tourism in the district. The state will bear 50 percent of the cost of the vehicles and the banks will advance auto loans for 45 percent of cost at interest rate of 10 percent. The beneficiaries will have to bear 5 percent of the cost. The scheme has been introduced for the first time in the state, he added.
MLA K Raghupati Bhat presided.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Raghupati said that the state tourism department has released Rs 1.70 crore for infrastructural development of tourism in the district. A large idol of Sri Krishna will be erected at St Mary’s Island and a statue of Madwacharya at Malpe beach here, he said.
Deputy Commissioner P Hemalata, district-in-charge secretary Ramesh Zalaki, zilla panchayat president Gladys Almeida and tourism department acting director Adilaxmi were present among others.
The keys of tourist taxis were distributed to 15 youth of SC and 6 youth of ST, during the programme.