Minister Mankal S. Vaidya Chairs KDP review meeting in Bhatkal, efficient governance, local development discussed

Bhatkal, May 14: The quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) review meeting for Bhatkal Taluk was held on Tuesday at the Taluk Panchayat Hall under the chairmanship of Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal S. Vaidya. The meeting focused on reviewing departmental progress and resolving local administrative issues.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Vaidya took serious note of political interference in government hospitals. He instructed health officials to report such instances to higher authorities and ensure uninterrupted medical care and medicine supply for patients.

In the veterinary department, officials proposed constructing a compound and a room in Bengre and informed the minister about ₹50 lakh sanctioned for a new veterinary office in Bhatkal. The minister also acknowledged government support for two goshalas in the taluk and said compensation had been distributed to over 60 families for cattle loss.

Officials raised concern over non-functional rain gauges that are affecting farmers’ insurance claims. The minister directed that the malfunctioning equipment be repaired within ten days and questioned discrepancies in rainfall reporting figures.

Applauding the improved SSLC pass percentage of 88% among 2,017 students, Minister Vaidya credited the education department's efforts based on recommendations from previous KDP meetings. He supported initiatives to felicitate meritorious students and teachers and emphasized relocating schools functioning from rented buildings to permanent campuses.

Highlighting poor KSRTC services in rural areas, especially on weekends and holidays, the minister directed the restoration of bus routes and introduction of evening services from Bhatkal and Honnavar. He also stressed the need for transport facilities for ITI and degree college students in Jali.

Regarding power issues, officials cited low electricity inflow from the Sirsi grid. Minister Vaidya called for a meeting with KPTCL to consider alternatives such as sourcing power from Byndoor.

During discussions on horticulture and land issues, the minister urged resolution of long-pending cases. The Forest Department informed him about discounted sapling distribution and compensation provided for wildlife-related crop damage.

In social welfare, the minister directed hostel officials to admit extra students beyond the sanctioned numbers if needed and confirmed that a new women's hostel would be opened soon. Payments under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme have been disbursed for up to three months.

He also instructed revenue officers to ensure timely file clearances and proper ration distribution to beneficiaries.

The minister ordered re-tendering of pending urban development works within a week. The Labour Department reported that ID cards have been issued to 300 out of an estimated 2,000–3,000 auto drivers in the region.

He also instructed the Excise and Police Departments to conduct anti-drug awareness campaigns in schools and colleges. The Excise Department requested the establishment of a local nicotine testing lab to reduce reliance on Kundapur facilities.

Addressing survey delays, the minister directed completion of drone surveys in urban areas within two months. The Ports Department reported that a ₹400 crore tender process is currently underway for the development of the Muroor Port.

Minister Vaidya also took note of the long-pending well construction issue in Hadlur. He distributed laptops to the top three SSLC performers from the 2023–24 academic year and received a memorandum from vendors of the Choutani fish market seeking improvements to their facility.

The meeting was attended by Bhatkal in-charge Assistant Commissioner Kavya Rani, Tahsildar Nagendra Kolashetty, Town Municipal Council in-charge president Altaf Kharuri, Guarantee Committee Chairman Raju Naik, and other department officials.