Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup

Kaup, Sep 18: Deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwara on Friday inspected Mangalore University’s Postgraduate Studies and Advanced Research Centre at Belapu in Kaup taluk and said the government is exploring various options to ensure productive use of the facility, which has remained unused for the past few years.

The massive building and campus were developed at a cost of around Rs 53.85 crore. Dr Parameshwara said the government is examining possibilities for putting the infrastructure to effective use and preventing it from falling into disrepair.

The campus was originally proposed as a Science Centre under the Union Government’s RUSA scheme following an announcement in the 2014-15 State Budget. Infrastructure worth around Rs 50–60 crore was subsequently created after the project received the necessary approvals.

However, the RUSA programme was later discontinued, and funding from Mangalore University was not forthcoming, leaving the Science Centre incomplete. A proposal has now been made to revive the project, and the matter has also been brought to the attention of the Higher Education minister, Dr Parameshwara said.

He said the government is also considering establishing a Sports University in Karnataka and that the inspection was partly aimed at assessing whether the Belapu campus could be suitable for the purpose.

“Udupi district does not have a government medical college. I have also come to examine whether there is a possibility of establishing one here,” he said.

After gathering details regarding the various possibilities, the government will discuss the matter with the chief minister and take an appropriate decision, he added.

Coastal development and tourism to get priority

Speaking about the Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in the coastal region, Dr Parameshwara said addressing pressing issues concerning the coastal belt would be among the key objectives of the meeting.

He said several issues brought to the government’s attention had already been addressed, while other concerns would be discussed during the meeting and appropriate decisions taken.

“Karnataka should utilise its coastline more effectively, as Kerala and Goa have done. International-level surfing events are being held in Udupi. Encouraging such activities and developing coastal tourism will generate employment and boost economic activity,” he said.

The Tourism Policy is also expected to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting, he added.

While attracting very large industries to the coastal belt could be difficult, the government would explore possibilities of bringing in soft industries to the region, Dr Parameshwara said.

Cabinet to discuss development of Udupi, Mangala Stadiums

The deputy chief minister said sports infrastructure in the coastal region would also come up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting.

“Necessary decisions will be taken regarding the development of Udupi Stadium, Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru and other sports facilities,” he said.

Dr Parameshwara said decisions taken by the Cabinet would be implemented, describing them as decisions of the entire government.

“A Cabinet decision is a decision of the entire Government. Government decisions will be carried out; otherwise, there would be no purpose in bringing matters before the Cabinet. There will always be criticism, and we take it positively,” he said.

Kasturirangan report, drought to come up in special session

Referring to the special legislative session scheduled for September 21, 22 and 23, Dr Parameshwara said the Kasturirangan Report would be discussed first.

The severe drought situation in the State and measures to support farmers would also be discussed during the session.

“We will discuss how the government should respond to farmers and what kind of assistance should be provided. This special session has been convened keeping the interests of farmers in mind,” he said.

MLC Manjunath Bhandary, Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, principal secretary of the department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Naveen Raj Singh, deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K, Mangalore University registrar Santosh B Jagalasar, Karnataka Housing Board engineer Sahana, former Belapu panchayat president Deviprasad Shetty, contractor Vasudev Shetty and others were present.