Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 28: MLC Prathap Simha Nayak alleged that the government lacks the determination to resolve the matter, despite being fully aware of the solution. Strong criticism was directed at the state government during a protest organised by the Udupi District BJP at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Manipal on July 28, highlighting the ongoing Form 9 and 11 documentation issues affecting the twin coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
Prathap Simha Nayak, MLC, said, “We have gathered here to urge the state government to address the long-pending issues of the twin coastal districts. The government lacks the willpower to implement a solution, even though it is already known — the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada has explained it during the KDP meeting to the in-charge minister. Unlike other parts of the state where people live and farm on different lands, here in our region, we live and farm on the same land we own. Denying Form 9 and 11 will severely impact the local economy, especially the construction sector, which employs thousands, including migrant workers. If the situation continues, many workers will be forced to take up unrelated jobs just to survive. The government must realize that laws are made for the benefit of the people, not the other way around. Earlier, these forms were issued at the gram panchayat level — we demand that this system be reinstated immediately.”
Prathap Simha Nayak remarked, “The in-charge minister of Udupi district is hardly ever seen here, we might soon need to hold a separate protest just to locate her. In the northern parts of the state, removing sand creates issues, but here in our region, not removing sand causes problems. It's the government's duty to generate employment, but today, beyond their so-called guarantees, they are incapable of delivering anything not even basic grants for MLAs. There is no developmental work happening, yet prices for essentials continue to rise. No funds have been allocated for public welfare. The Congress party is losing ground across the country and clinging to power only in Karnataka, where their sole agenda seems to be corruption.”
MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi stated, “Earlier, the three coastal districts, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada were exempted under the single-window system. However, the state government has now brought them under the Urban Development Authority, applying a uniform rule across Karnataka. While other districts have systems like village stations and face no difficulties, our region is struggling under the new regulations. Despite our MLAs raising the issue multiple times in the assembly and discussing it with concerned ministers, no action has been taken. We’ve already met with the deputy commissioner and will continue to do so. The new rules being implemented here are impractical. Assigning one officer to oversee four taluks is unworkable. Previously, this responsibility was handled effectively by the PDOs. The state government must recognize that this model cannot be sustained in our districts.”
MLA Yashpal Suvarna stated, “The Congress-led state government came to power on the promise of five guarantees, but beyond that, they have delivered nothing. During the BJP tenure, over 11,000 applications were approved, whereas in the last two years under Congress, only 350 have been cleared. Their protests like ‘Satyadarshana’ and suggestions to raise the issue in Parliament only highlight their lack of understanding. The government must immediately resolve the issues related to Form 9 and 11, and the single-window system, by restoring the pre-2024 Panchayat-level process. Our districts are grappling with numerous issues, and we have never witnessed such an incompetent and indifferent government before.”
Following the protest, a memorandum was submitted to Udupi deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K, demanding immediate resolution of the Form 9 and 11 issues and restoration of the earlier system.
The protest was presided over by Udupi District BJP president Naveen Shetty. Vijay Kodavoor delivered the welcome address, while Sannooru Narasimha provided the introductory remarks. General secretary Dinakar Shetty Herga delivered the vote of thanks, and the event was compered by Shrikanth Naik.
Several prominent leaders were present, including Udupi City Municipal Council president Prabhakar Poojary, Mangaluru region convener Kishore Kumar, general secretary Reshma Uday Shetty, Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, and Irodi Vittal Poojary, among others.