Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 1: Umashree, minister for Kannada and culture and women and child development, took part in the progressive review meeting on Monday December 1 at V S Acharya stadium, zilla panchayat Udupi.
Speaking to the media Umashree said that there was a shortage of staff in the women and child welfare department, but despite that the department has been working hard. She praised the dedicated service of the staff in the department.
She asked the officials of the department to focus more on reducing child mortality and improving nutrition among children, especially in the age group of 0-3 years. She assured that measures would be taken to control the foeticide.
Umashree said that Bhagyalaxmi scheme (which was started by the erstwhile BJP government) would continue, though presently it has been stopped to clear some complications.
She revealed that 43 cases were registered relating to sexual harassment, out of which 5 cases were that of homosexual harassment.
"As many as 147 domestic violence cases were registered, out of which 85 cases are pending in court. Also, 114 cases have been disposed off and 32 cases settled. Out of 18 missing child complaint, 15 were found, 1 is pending, 1 died and 1 is in progress," she said.
Udupi MLA Pramod Madhwaraj urged the department concerned for quick implementation of projects and advised to have data based documents on disabilities in the district. He also called for effective utlization of Rs 55 lacs of the remaining funds in the CMC.
Deputy commissioner Dr Vishal said that the district stood first in the state in tax collection, with 94% tax payments. Under self-employment scheme, the government reached 32 people while the actual target was 60.
There are 9 transgender found in the district, the DC said, adding that the government has planned to provide incentives to transgenders with the collaboration of an NGO named Ashraya.
Umashree said that there was a need for comprehensive study on the rehabilitation of sex workers.
Press Meet
Minister for Kannada and culture Umashree on Monday December 1 said that chief minister Siddaramaiah will give opportunities to those who haven't got them yet while making appointments to academies.
Addressing a press meet here on Monday December 1, Umashree said, "It is our duty to respect and give recognition to those who have made political contributions from a long time."
She further said that the grants for the five state academies have been increased from Rs 60 lac to Rs one crore each. "The demand to further increase the grants will be looked into," she added.
Umashree also informed that a committee had been formed which will soon submit the draft of a cultural policy for the state, and the same would be implemented. This will aim at preserving and promoting Kannada and culture, artistes and heritage, she said.
She further said that to solve the problem of middlemen interfering with the grants offered to folk artistes, the government has opted for direct tranfer to the artistes' bank accounts. The grants too have been increased by Rs 5,000, she said.
She stressed on the need to be committed and sincere while nominating people for state awards and honours. "For this purpose, we have constituted an award nomination committee which will function transparently," she said.
Umashree also said that she met union HRD minister Smriti Irani and urged the union government to transfer the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK), which was set up by the state following grant of classical status to Kannada, from Mysuru to Bengaluru so that more research and works are undertaken for Kannada language. "We are hoping for the best in this regard," she added.
Regarding ban on Kambala, Umashree said that it would be difficult to completely ban it, but some changes could be done so that the traditional sport continues.