Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Feb 1: The annual general body meeting for the years 2023–24 and 2024–25 of the Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association, Bantwal branch, along with a felicitation programme for retired government employees and achievers, was held on Sunday at the Government Employees’ Hall on BC Road.
Inaugurating the programme, Bantwal taluk panchayat executive officer Sachin Kumar highlighted the acute shortage of staff in government departments. “Due to staff shortages, government employees are forced to perform the duties of four people, leading to serious mental and physical health issues,” he said.
Former minister B Ramanath Rai, who attended as a special guest, said he has consistently participated in the association’s programmes and has responded positively to its demands.
Chief guest and in-charge Block Education Officer Malathi underlined the importance of unity, stating that “success is impossible without organisational strength”.
Presiding over the programme, association president Shivaprasad Shetty said that Umanath Rai had laid a strong foundation for building an organisation that has emerged as a model for the state. He assured that the association would continue to move forward along the same path.
During the event, children of government employees who secured high marks in the SSLC and PUC examinations, as well as those who excelled in sports, were felicitated.
Award-winning government employees, those who achieved distinction in the field of sports, and retired government employees who served in various departments were also honoured. Former president Umanath Rai Meravu was specially felicitated.
Pensioners’ Association president P Lokanath Shetty attended as the chief guest and conveyed his best wishes.
Those present on the dais included Dr Shashikala, medical officer of Mani Primary Health Centre; Shamanth Kumar, honorary president of the association; senior vice-president Nandan Shenoi; vice-president Seetharama Poojary; retired lecturer Ambaprasad, among others.
Association secretary Santosh Kumar welcomed the gathering, treasurer Basayya Alimatti proposed the vote of thanks, teacher Jayaram compered the programme, while Janardhana and Naveen P S assisted in organising the event.