Free LPG connection to BPL families in rural areas sought

Zilla Panchayat KDP meeting has proposed to write to the State and Centre to provide free LPG connections to BPL families in rural areas on the model followed in urban areas.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Zilla Panchayat President Asha Thimmappa Gowda on Wednesday.

Vice President Sathish Kumpala said at present, free LPG connections are given to BPL families in Town Municipal Council/Town panchayat limits.

The gas supplying companies are providing the connections without deposit. This should be extended to rural areas as well.

Food and Civil Supplies Deputy Director Sharanabasappa said “we have held discussions with gas supplying companies to provide free LPG connections to BPL families in rural areas.

The government has received positive reply from them.

BPL families are given free connections in all TownMunicipal Council/City Municipal Council/Town Panchayats in Dakshina Kannada district.

By March end, all families are likely to receive LPG connections in urban areas and the district is likely to be declared as free from kerosene. The process of receiving applications for new ration cards will commence from May,” he added.

Road widening
The Zilla Panchayat President said storm water drains beside the road has been closed down while widening the road at Charmadi Ghat.

Lack of storm water drains will aggravate the problem during monsoon. She directed the National Highway officials to start the work on storm water drains on the road before monsoon.

She said KSRTC has not received permits to start services in a selected rural areas. The RTO and KSRTC officials should work in co-ordination.

She directed the officials to get proposals from the gram panchayats to start the work on foot bridges under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(MGNREGA).

When the Vice President raised the issue of water crisis in rural areas, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sreevidya said that a proposal of Rs 10 lakh has been submitted to the State government to take up emergency works related to drinking water.

In case of necessity, the gram panchayats can utilise their funds.