Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Aug 29: In a significant move aimed at boosting the local economy and enhancing public convenience, the Udupi City Municipal Council has unanimously passed a resolution permitting shops and hotels in Udupi and Manipal to remain open until 11 pm.

The decision was taken during the Council’s general body meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of Municipal Council president Prabhakar Poojary.

Raising the issue during the meeting, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said that, under the pretext of maintaining law and order, shops and hotels in Udupi and Manipal are currently forced to close by 10 pm. This, he argued, has negatively impacted the district’s economy and created challenges for tourists, patient attendants, and students who often struggle to access food and essential items late in the evening.

“In the larger interest of economic growth and public welfare, shops and hotels should be allowed to operate until 11 pm,” Suvarna urged. The proposal received unanimous support from all members of the council.

Also during the meeting, council member B G Hegde voiced concern over the non-auctioning of municipal-owned commercial shops over the past nine months, citing official negligence as the cause of lost revenue to the council.

Responding to the issue, officials clarified that around 15 commercial units located in Udupi city, Malpe Santhekatte, and Gopalapura had already been approved for auction by the deputy commissioner. However, the process had been delayed due to pending lease registrations and approvals from the DC’s office. The transfer of the previous deputy commissioner had further stalled proceedings.

Officials assured the council that all required formalities would be completed within the week, allowing the auction to move forward.