Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, July 12: In a significant boost to educational infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada, the construction of the district’s only Brahmashri Narayana Guru Residential School is nearing completion at Punjalkatte, with Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik urging authorities to expedite the relocation of students to the new facility.

The state-of-the-art building, developed at a cost of Rs 18 cr, is set to replace the current rented premises, which lack adequate hostel space and basic seating arrangements. Visiting the nearly finished site, MLA Rajesh Naik directed the backward classes welfare department to complete the remaining formalities, including religious rituals, and initiate immediate student relocation.

“The current facilities are far from sufficient for the students. The new building is ready to accommodate them comfortably. Their relocation must be prioritised without delay,” said Naik while speaking to the media during his inspection.

Healthcare gets a shot in the arm

On the same day, the MLA also visited the site earmarked for the upgraded Community Health Centre (CHC) in Punjalkatte, a project being developed with a grant of Rs 12 crore. He held discussions with health department officials and engineers, reviewing the construction plans and seeking updates on the project timeline.

The decision to upgrade the existing Primary Health Centre (PHC) to a CHC came in response to longstanding demands from local leaders and residents. Veteran public figure Tungappa Banger had repeatedly raised the issue, highlighting the need for better healthcare facilities in this border area between Bantwal and Belthangady taluks.

According to the MLA, the previous BJP-led state government, during the visit of the then Health Minister to Bantwal, had approved the upgrade and sanctioned funds accordingly.

Dignitaries in attendance

Several key civic and administrative figures were present during the inspections, including Zilla Panchayat member M Tungappa Banger, Pilatabettu Grama Panchayat president Sharada, Kaval Moodur GP president Ajith She Karinge, and Pilatabettu GP members Harshini Pushpananda and Kantappa Karkera. Also in attendance were Rai GP president Santosh Rayibettu, Bantwal Mandal general secretary Sudarshan Baj, media coordinator Purushottam Shetty Vamadapadavu, and former GP president Chandrashekar Shetty Kamangila. Representing the administration were district backward classes welfare officer Bindiya Nayak, school principal Santosh Sanil, Taluk health officer Dr Ashok Rai, and medical officer of Punjalkatte PHC Dr Ritesh Shetty, among others.