Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Sep 17: State health and family welfare minister U T Khader on Thursday appealed to the people, organisations, and political parties across the coastal region to unite and accord a grand welcome to the Karnataka Cabinet, which is scheduled to hold its meeting in Mangaluru.
Addressing a press conference at Praja Soudha in Padil, Khader said the Cabinet meeting fulfils a long-standing demand of the people of Dakshina Kannada and would focus on development issues concerning Karnataka, Mangaluru, and the Tulunadu region.
He said several proposals relating to tourism, healthcare, education, transport, connectivity, and other sectors would be placed before the Cabinet. The government is also expected to consider various representations submitted by the public and local representatives.
Khader said chief minister Siddaramaiah had recently held a detailed meeting with MLAs from Mangaluru, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada, during which department-wise requirements and development issues were discussed.
Appeal to withdraw protests
Appealing against proposed protests during the Cabinet's visit, Khader said Tulunadu is known for its culture of harmony and hospitality.
Referring to concerns over prison jammers, he said the issue was not new and that shifting the existing jail to Mudipu would provide a permanent solution to both the jammer-related concerns and space constraints.
He also urged those planning demonstrations to withdraw them and cooperate with the celebrations welcoming the Cabinet.
Defends private hospitals' role in government healthcare
Speaking on private medical colleges and hospitals supporting government healthcare facilities, Khader said poor patients were not being charged for treatment.
He stated that private institutions provide doctors and staff through their own resources and CSR initiatives. He pointed out that the model, first implemented in Ullal, had increased daily patient attendance from around 60 to nearly 600.
"Shouldn't the poor receive quality healthcare in government hospitals?" he asked while defending the initiative.
Coastal feast planned at Tannirbhavi
Khader said the chief minister and Cabinet ministers are expected to participate in programmes beginning from a religious site, with Kadri temple likely to be the starting point.
He said a grand welcome is planned at Pumpwell, while the ministers are expected to be served traditional coastal seafood and regional cuisine at Tannirbhavi in the evening.
On B K Hariprasad’s remarks
When asked about Congress leader B K Hariprasad's remarks concerning Umar Khalid, Khader said the matter had not come before the Cabinet. He described the statement as Hariprasad's personal opinion and said he would speak to him regarding the issue.
Nearly entire Cabinet expected to attend
Khader said almost all ministers are expected to attend the Mangaluru Cabinet meeting, with only one or two likely to be absent due to prior international commitments or Rajya Sabha-related responsibilities.
He also urged the public to cooperate with authorities, as minor traffic diversions may be implemented due to VIP movement and security arrangements.
Khader added that Cabinet decisions, once approved and signed by the chief minister, would be forwarded to the respective departments for the preparation of action plans. Proposals involving more than Rs 10 crore would have to return to the Cabinet for final approval.