Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 31: “Government schemes will reach the common people only when officials perform their duties responsibly. Only then will the government earn a good reputation,” said Lakshmi Hebbalkar, minister for women and child development and also Udupi district in-charge minister.

She was speaking after chairing the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) review meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat premises on Friday. The minister directed officials to sincerely address the problems faced by farmers.

Minister Hebbalkar informed that preparations are underway to provide compensation to farmers affected by heavy rains. The state government has sanctioned Rs 8,000 crore towards this special relief package.

Speaking on the Varahi irrigation project, the minister said that although farmers’ lands have been acquired, compensation is yet to be provided. She assured that efforts are being made to release the required funds. Since parts of the project pass through deemed and reserve forest areas, she instructed the forest department to grant the necessary clearances at the earliest.

The Minister noted that citizens seeking red laterite stones for building houses face obstacles even after obtaining permissions under 3A in patta lands, as the Forest Department raises objections. She directed the deputy commissioner to issue notices to the department and resolve the matter within three days.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, several small check dams have been constructed, but complaints have emerged that these dams fail to retain water. The minister observed that the designs appear unscientific and that funds have not been utilised properly. She instructed the Zilla Panchayat CEO to personally visit the sites and conduct an inspection.

Minister Hebbalkar also emphasised the need to complete ongoing port development works within the stipulated timeframe. She pointed out that some projects require Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval and urged the formation of a state-level CRZ committee to expedite clearances, adding that the proposal is already before the central government.

On the issue of sea erosion, the Minister asked the deputy commissioner to treat it seriously and find a permanent, scientific solution.

Drawing attention to the difficulties faced by students from North Karnataka and other districts pursuing education in Udupi, the minister said hostel facilities should be made available without delay. She instructed that hostels at taluk headquarters be managed efficiently to avoid inconvenience to students.

Minister Hebbalkar expressed concern over the declining rate of childbirths in government hospitals due to a shortage of gynaecologists. She directed health officials to take measures to increase deliveries in public hospitals and ensure better healthcare services for citizens.

Among those present at the meeting were MLAs Sunil Kumar, Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Gururaj Gantihole, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, MLCs S L Bhojegowda, Manjunath Bhandary, Dr Dhananjaya Sarji, District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, deputy commissioner T K Swaroopa, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, SP Hariram Shankar, and senior officials from various departments.