Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Aug 12: At a meeting held on Monday, August 12, issues faced by Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Bantwal Taluk were discussed, revealing that several nationalised banks are rejecting loan applications from these communities without valid reasons.

Bantwal Tahsildar Archana Bhat presided over the discussion at Ambedkar Bhavan. The lead bank officer promised to gather more information on this matter in an upcoming meeting with bank managers.

Vishwanatha Chendtimar raised a question about the lack of free water for SC and ST people in Bantwal, contrasting it with Mangaluru, where free water is provided. Officials explained that the difference is due to varying administrative systems between city corporations and gram panchayats, and that reforms at the government level are needed.

Concerns were also voiced about the town municipality’s failure to implement development plans. Gangadhar criticized the municipality for not executing the promised plans and for not holding regular progress review meetings. He accused the municipality of misusing grants and failing to act on decisions.

Honnappa Kunder accused the Block Education Officer (BEO) of illegal recruitment practices for guest teachers, claiming that local talents are being bypassed. He also highlighted the lack of a vehicle for the Adyanadka mobile hospital, affecting timely delivery of medicines to SC and ST communities in remote areas.

Ashok Naik questioned why government school grounds are being used for private functions, despite clear government instructions. He argued that this could negatively impact students and called for stringent action against the BEO. Naik also raised concerns about drug use at Manchikaje and urged the police to take action. He appealed for respectful language in bhajans, YouTube channels, and tabloids.

This was the first meeting of the SC and ST communities held at the newly constructed Ambedkar Bhavan, previously held at the SGSY auditorium. The meeting was attended by Social Welfare Department officer Jayashree, Ambedkar Development Corporation officer Manish, and Bantwal City Police Inspector Ananta Padmanabha.