District In-charge Minister takes officials to task at KDP meet

“The ZP has no aim of its own. How can you implement development works without setting the goal. None of the departments, which come under the ZP, could achieve more than 35 per cent work,” the Minister lamented.

He advised officials not to keep the work pending till March every year. “Do not take up work in March and complete it in a hurried manner,” he added.

Officials and people’s representatives should not be enemies. They should work in a co-ordinated manner, he said adding, “it is unfotunate that officials in the Chikmagalur ZP do not respect people’s representatives and they do not provide proper information related to development work.”

Sringeri MLA Jeevaraj brought to the notice of the Minister that the ZP has purchased footwear stands at Rs 18,000, when the actual cost is only Rs 3,500.

Chikmagalur MLA C T Ravi pointed out that water tanks were purchased paying Rs 40,000. He said that the inquiry regarding the allegations still has not been completed, he added.

Responding to the issue, the Minister sought clarification from the Administrative Deputy Secretary. “Complete the inquiry before December 15 and submit a report,” he directed.
MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda complained that the officials neither do their work properly, nor give reasons why works are delayed. “Water from Belavadi tank is flowing through the nearby road,” she added.

Kumar took officials of the Minor Irrigation Department to task for not responding to the demands of the people’s representatives.

“Give clarification, if you are not able to solve the problems,” he warned adding that officials should never ignore people’s representatives.

Meanwhile, Ravi alleged that the government is not releasing funds to the Public Works Department.

“Roads in the district are damaged and people curse people’s representatives,” he added.

The Minister promised that he will speak to the Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and seek more funds to compensate rain damages in the district.