Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 17: Home minister Dr G Parameshwara on Tuesday said the district prison in Mangaluru will be shifted to the outskirts of the city at the earliest, once key infrastructure works are completed.
Speaking after inaugurating police quarters in Moodbidri and laying the foundation stone for new quarters at Police Lane in Mangaluru, he said Rs 120 crore is required to complete the new prison project. Of this, Rs 50 crore is earmarked for construction of the compound wall.
“Once the compound wall is completed, we can shift the prison as the barracks have already been constructed. The remaining interior works can be taken up later,” he said.
The minister said he had urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the pre-Budget meeting to sanction the necessary funds. “I am confident that the CM will approve the allocation,” he added.
Addressing concerns about mobile jammers affecting the public in surrounding areas, Parameshwara said the devices had been damaged by inmates. He also noted frequent scuffles inside the Mangaluru prison. “I have asked the technical team to regulate the jammer system so that it functions only within the prison premises,” he said.
On police welfare, the minister announced that the State government will continue the Police Gruha housing scheme until 2030, prioritising accommodation for police personnel. When launched in 2015, the unit cost per house was Rs 18 lac; it has since risen to Rs 32 lac. As only 40% of the planned quarters have been constructed so far, the scheme has been extended.
“My dream is to construct quarters for all the 1.10 lac police personnel serving in the State,” he said.
In Mangaluru, around 1,900 police personnel are posted, but only 40% currently have official quarters. He said 100 additional quarters will be sanctioned to the city next year.
Highlighting the role of the police in maintaining law and order, he said personnel work under extreme conditions to ensure citizens can celebrate festivals peacefully. He added that Karnataka ranks second in the country in attracting investments, attributing this in part to improved law and order.
Stating that achieving a drug-free Karnataka is “not an easy task”, he said police are seizing narcotics on a daily basis. “If parents remain vigilant and monitoring of students continues, the drug menace can be contained,” he said, directing strict action against drug-related offences.
On demands for new police stations, he said proposals would be examined in accordance with established guidelines before approvals are granted. He assured that buildings would be sanctioned wherever required.
The Minister also pointed out that boats operated by the Coastal Security Police are in poor condition. Of the 15 boats, only three to four are currently functional. “I have sought funds to improve the facilities of the Coastal Security Police so that sea surveillance can be strengthened,” he said.
Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath sought new buildings for the Kankanady, Traffic and Bunder police stations.
IGP (Western Range) Amit Singh, commissioner of police Sudheer Kumar Reddy, SP Dr Arun K and other officials were present.