Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 20: "I urge the BJP to protest against the delay in NREGA payments instead of criticizing the state government," said Karnataka’s minister for women and child development, empowerment of persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and Udupi district in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.

Addressing the media at a press conference held at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium on Thursday, the minister said, “The NREGA scheme was introduced during the tenure of Dr Manmohan Singh to provide employment. Initially, the BJP opposed it. But once it proved successful, they accepted it. Now, when there’s a slight delay in transferring funds under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, BJP is quick to criticise the state government. However, there have been no payments under NREGA for the past five months, and yet the BJP chooses to remain silent. I urge them to protest against this delay instead.”

Briefing the media about the KDP meeting, the minister said precautionary measures were discussed in view of the ongoing monsoon and that Udupi district is fully prepared to handle any emergency. “We are ready for the rains. Rs 5 crore has already been sanctioned for sea erosion control, and more funds will be released if needed. A proposal for Rs 60 crore has also been submitted,” she said. Additionally, she informed that Rs 20 crore is available in the deputy commissioner’s account for emergency use.

She said tourism development in Udupi is being promoted through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Zilla Panchayat CEO Pratheek Bayal noted that proposals have been submitted for skylining activities, water sports at Malpe beach, and a detailed project report (DPR) for the development of the Kaup Lighthouse.

Highlighting Udupi’s academic achievements—second rank in SSLC and first in PUC results—Hebbalkar emphasized the need to further promote sports in the district. “We will appeal to the state government to release funds for developing sports infrastructure,” she added.

On complaints regarding poor-quality food distributed to the Koraga community, she stated that 3,100 families are receiving food kits. “I will personally speak to the officers and ensure proper monitoring of the distribution,” she assured.

On the status of new government bus services, CEO Pratheek Bayal said 40 new buses have been sanctioned for the Mangaluru division and recruitment of drivers is under way.

Responding to concerns over the sanction of new BPL cards, the minister said, “There are 1.52 crore families in Karnataka, of which around 1.40 crore are BPL cardholders. So far, 1.26 crore women have received the Gruha Lakshmi benefit, and the number continues to grow every month.” She dismissed allegations that BPL cards were being removed due to the scheme as “baseless and false.”

Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K, superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gururaj Gantihole, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLC Danajay Sarji and others were present.