The meeting was held under the presidentship of ZP President Sucharitha Shetty. Interestingly, in spite of the heated discussion, the package tender system for the road development and maintenance was approved.

Speaking on the occasion, member Sundara Gowda Icchila sought to know why the authorities have introduced package tender system and what were its benefits?

“Under package tender system, the developmental works will be handed over to a big contractor. This will be a loss to the small contractors,” he said and urged to drop the package system.

Mr Chandrashekar Kamath said that in many districts, package system for developmental work  has not been implemented.

Since the power wrests in the hands of Zilla Panchayat, why Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat is implementing the package system? If all powers wrest in the hands of the officials, what is our role as elected representatives? he questioned. 
Zilla Panchayat President Sucharitha Shetty said package tender system is the government’s decision. However, with all our efforts, the rule for package tender for developmental works have been relaxed to the developmetal works worth between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 15 lakh.

“Let us abide by the rules and experiment on it and review its benefits and losses,” he said and appealed to the members to give approval for the package tender system atleast this time and assured to oppose it in the next time.

Finally, heading to the appeal of the ZP Chief, the members approved the action plan of road maintenance for the year 2007-08 under CMGSY and 12th Finance Commission.

Zilla Panchayat member Sushma Janardhan alleged that town panchayat roads are also included in the maintenance and asphaltation of roads under Zilla Panchayat scheme.

Mr Azeez Malar alleged that funds have not been distributed properly in the action plan for road maintenance.

Action plan
An action plan of 878.49 lakh road maintenance for the year 2007-08 was approved in the meeting. This action plan comprises of Rs 235.85 lakh for Mangalore taluk, Rs 218.60 lakh for Bantwal taluk, Rs 162.96 lakh for Puttur taluk, Rs 175.01 lakh for Belthangady taluk and Rs 86.07 lakh for Sullia taluk.

An action plan of Rs 35.78 lakh for 2,059 non planning works, action plan of Rs 15.75 lakh for the development and rejuvenation of ponds and Rs 40.55 lakh for ZP building was approved at the meeting.

There was a presentation by BAIF Institute of Rural Development Chief Programme Co-ordinator Doreswamy on various works undertaken in 22 districts of Karnataka.

ZP CEO A M Kunjappa, Vice-President Jayasri Kodandooru was present.