DC warns officials of action against misuse of funds

Deputy Commissioner Vishal assured that stringent action would be taken against officials involved in irregularities, which took place in the distribution of compensation packages for farmers who lost their arecanut crop owing to rot diseases.

Speaking at vigilance committee meet held under the chairmanship of Udupi-Chikmaglur MP Shobha Karandlaje, he said officials including Tahsildar of Kundapur and Udupi would be taken to task for misappropriation of funds. He said a committee is constituted to look into misuse of funds. The MP said inquiry is taken up by people involved in the scam would not do any justice to the poor farmers.

It is a criminal offence. As many as 9,205 applications were received and Rs 6.49 crore was released for the purpose in the district.

In Udupi, 44 cases were reported. Around 12 cases are pending. She said the Tahsildars should be kept out of inquiry committee. Responding to the demand, the DC said Tahsildars would be asked to reimburse the shortage of funds as they would be held responsible, he added.

The MP directed the DC and CEO to hold a special meeting in connection to decide over the by-laws formulated under the model by-law for the gram panchayat. The CEO Kanagavlli said model by-laws formed for gram panchayat is being circulated to all gram panchayat. The objections, if any would be taken up at zilla panchayath level.

The final draft would be set following the revison of the by-laws at gram panchayat level, she said.

The DHO Dr Rohini said as many as Rs 140 crore was released for district health department to take up various programmes, of which only Rs 6 crore remained unutilised.  Under National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), a new project aimed at providing primary healthcare for the poor in cities and towns with a population of over 50,000 is being introduced. The DC said initiatives would be taken up to benefit the poor in the rural areas.

Two centres at present would be set up for the purpose, he added. The DHO elaborating over the nurses who are deprived of minimum salaries said there are 39 nurses in the district, of which five are redirected to National Rural Health Mission.

Another 15 are also being considered. However, they are receiving Rs 4,575 salaries per month, she added.  The MP alleged that funds released to construct school buildings as there is no one to keep watch on contractors concerned. The DC said lumpsum amount is being released to construct schools. The official informed that Rs 2.5 crore is released for dredging in Malpe and another Rs 6 crore for dredging works in Kodikanyana.

The social welfare department district officer said there is a need for two post matric boys’ hostels as the entries had reached 230 as against the actual capacity of 100. He said one would be in Udupi and the other one would be at Byndoor.