Principal Secretary of Department of Public Administration and Reforms Suresh on Tuesday ordered officials to dispose off widow and old age pension applications immediately.

He ordered the tahsildar to do the needful upon receiving complaints from scribes and the general public in this regard. Earlier, he held a meeting with the officials.

Journalists drew the attention of the high-ranking official on the non-disposal of a large number of pension applications. People alleged that the tahsildar had hardly any interaction with them and was also not involved in any developmental activity. The Taluk Office had become a place for bribery and corruption, they alleged.

Mr Suresh promised action in this regard, shortly. He also obtained details on the problems plaguing Revenue, Food and Police departments.

He noted that leaks had sprung up in the 22 tanks of the district with their walls breached as well. Already Rs 14 crore proposal has been submitted towards a permanent solution to the problem. Under this, a sum of Rs eight lakh will be spent on providing compensation to the farmers who incurred losses, Mr Suresh added.

The Principal Secretary agreed that a permanent solution was needed to the drinking water problem of the district.

He called upon the people to take initiative and join hands with the government in formulating effective repair works.

He also informed that a proposal of around Rs 240 lakhs was submitted under the Drought Relief Scheme.

Personal Secretary Badigannavar, Assistant Shivanna, Zilla Panchayat Executive Engineer Devaraj, Assistant Engineer Devaraj, Government Employees’ Association President N K Gururaj, Assistant Commissioner Dr Arundhati, Tahsildar Reshma Haseena and Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Satish Kumar were among those present.