JOIN USKoraga families may get special facilities
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr K N Vijayprakash said that a letter has been written to the State government to provide basic facilities to the Koraga families in the district under special consideration.
Speaking at the 11th general body meeting of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, at Zilla Panchayat building, here on Saturday, he said that a decision has been taken to conduct village-level survey, including in naxal affected areas of Belthangady taluk, to construct houses for Koraga families. Smart cards have been distributed to Koraga families and vehicles (taxis) will also be provided to them with the help of Directorate of Tribal welfare, the CEO said.
Earlier, ZP Member M S Mohammed came down heavily on the officials as there is no action taken to provide house for a Koraga family, living in a health centre, at Salettoor in Kolnadu gram panchayat limits, though the issue was raised many times in the ZP meeting.
Confusing scheme
Janardhan Gowda raised concern over the confusion in Basava Housing Scheme. Many mud-wall houses are not considered and official deny considering some small houses under the scheme. Rejection would be a big blow to the poor who depend on the government funds. Officials should provide information and should not let them in middle, he said.
Chief Project Officer Mohammed Nazeer said that many houses are locked (not rejected) because of technical reasons. He said that the communication gap between taluk executive officers and panchayat development officers has caused the problem. “This is a huge task as we received as many as 30,000 applications for houses,” he said.
CEO Vijayprakash said that he has spoken to Rajeev Gandhi Housing Board MD about successful implementation of the scheme. “We will extend the minimum time for the foundation to 4 months from 90 days. Nodal officers are directed to visit the villages and convene meeting at least once in a month,” he said.
Solar light problem
Member Chandrakala alleged that as many as 27 solar lamps fixed in naxal-affected areas, including Naravi in Belthangady burn only for 2 hours. When EO gave an improper answer, CEO directed the official to question the engineering department and warn the agency concerned to repair the lamps.
Meanwhile, Vijayprakash said that Belthangady, Sullia and Puttur taluks have in-charge EOs. “We have requested the government to appoint full time EOs to the taluks concerned as it would help in the implementation process of various schemes,” he said.
War of words
A query by BJP member Girija about sidelining her during an inauguration of the government project in her own constituency ended with war of words with Congress and BJP members.
Mamtha Gatti alleged that former MLA Padmanabha Kottari performed a ground breaking ceremony in her constituency, but she was not informed about the programme. When BJP member Chennppa Kotyan alleged that Congress is doing the same in Bantwal, the members engaged in a war of words.
More funds to yuvajana mela
ZP Member Devraj threatened to walk out of the meeting as he failed to get a proper reply from Youth service and sports department official for not allowing Sahana Enekallu, who was neglected in State-level tournament, though she won second prize in district-level competitions.Members also alleged that the department officials are conducting Yuvajana Mela for namesake.
The CEO assured of taking action against deputy director of Youth service and sports department after an investigation. He also assured of increasing the funds to Taluk Yuvajana Mela, from the present Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.
Mobile tower issue
BJP Member Santhosh Kumar raised concern about the affects of mobile towers. Responding to it, District Health Officer Dr O R Srirangappa claimed that the adverse affects of the tower are not proved till date. The CEO also said that district doesn’t has special research wing. “We have submitted a memorandum to the State to conduct more research on this,” he said.
The meeting that started at 11 am went on till 8.30 pm.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat President Koragappa Naik, Vice President Rithesh Shetty, Agriculture and Industry Standing Committee President Jayashri and Education and Health Standing Committee President Asha Timmappa Gowda were present.
Give compensation to rape victims’ family, appeal members
Mamatha Gattti raised Balthila rape and murder issue in ZP meeting. She alleged that Deputy Commissioner or any higher official didn’t visit the victim’s house. “Even a single paisa has not been sanctioned to the poor girl’s family. The State government should release at least Rs 10 lakh to the family,” she urged. The Members also demanded the aurhorities concerned to provide same amount to another rape victim Soujanya’s family.