Mangalore: Rs 81 crore released from MP fund during my tenure: Nalin Kumar Kateel
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, Jun 2: The total funds released for the development of the Lok Sabha constituency from the MP fund and through my recommendations, in the last four years of my term stand at Rs 81,20,35,560, said Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP of Dakshina Kannada district.
"I am going to complete my 4th successful year as the MP on June 2. The total amount of Rs 81, 35,560 has been used for urban development, rural development, education, health, agriculture and various other sectors and projects," he said.
"One of the main things that we need to focus on is the railways. The tender process is in progress for the construction of underpass tacross the Padil railway crossing and permission has been granted for Kudpady railway crossing," he added.
"The development and repair of the national highway was the second important issue that had to be looked in to. Rs 6.68 crore was spent for the repair of NH 48 Shiradi Ghat road.
"Rs 1,57,50,000 has been spent on the repair of roads that have been damaged by rains in previous years. Through my reccommendations, funds have been released for the eight Assembly constituencies of the district from chief minister's special fund (Rs 5.6 crore), MP’s local development fund (Rs 12.53 crore), MRPL and KIOCL fund, Prime Minister recovery fund (92.78 crore), chief minister recovery fund (Rs 22.25 crore) and others," he said.
Funds have also been utilized for places of worship (Rs 9 crore for over 100 temples and Rs 36 lac for 49 mosques), and also for setting up BSNL towers, he added.
On the ban on gutka in the state, he said, "BJP is not opposing the ban on gutka by the state Congress government - rather, the BJP welcomes it - but the question here is, why is the state governmnet hurrying on this matter?
"DK district has the highest number of arecanut growers, hence the government needs to think of them as well before implementing the ban. First enforce alternative plans for the arecanut farmers and then impose the ban," he urged.
"Special packages have to be given for arecanut growers, loans taken from nationalized banks for arecanut farmings should be waived," he added.
BJP leaders Monappa Bhandary and Padmanabh Kottary were present.