Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Credit: DH Photo
Mangaluru: District in Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the state government led by CM Siddaramaiah is committed to social justice. Funds have been earmarked for the development of Scheduled Communities through various schemes.
Speaking after inaugurating renovated B R Ambedkar Bhavana at Kukkedi in Belthangady taluk, he said that the state government has released Rs 3 crore for the construction of a taluk-level Ambedkar Bhavan.
“Ambedkar’s contribution in bringing the voiceless into the mainstream is unforgettable. However, those who are now doing politics in the name of religion, without giving any thought to progressive ideas or reservations, are indulging in politics by merely displaying Ambedkar’s photograph. They oppose Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar and emotionally seek votes from the people,” he said.
Ninety-four 94C title deeds were distributed to eligible beneficiaries on the occasion.
Minister also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various development works in the Gandhi Grama Puraskar–winning Kashipatna panchayat limits and participated in the centenary celebrations of Nada School and the Kajoor Mukham uroos.
Taluk Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat elections
Speaking to media persons, the minister said that elections to gram panchayats, city corporation, taluk panchayats and zilla panchayats would be held after March. He said a decision would be taken in the next few days on whether the taluk and zilla panchayat elections should be held after the gram panchayat polls or simultaneously.
He said that leopard movement had been reported in Belthangady taluk and that officials will be instructed to take necessary action after discussions.
He said that although Rs 3 crore has already been released for the taluk Ambedkar Bhavan, the work could not begin due to differing views of the MLA. He said there was a need to discuss the matter with the MLA soon and ensure that the work begins at the earliest so that the sanctioned funds are not diverted elsewhere.
Regarding the death of a boy at Gerukatte, he said the exact cause of death has not yet been ascertained and the police are making efforts. No conclusive evidence has been found so far, and he said he would speak to the Superintendent of Police in this regard.