Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Sep 15: District incharge minister B Ramanath Rai on Tuesday September 15 participated in 'Jana-Mana', an interactive programme with beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the government, held at Milagres Hall here.

A booklet detailing the achievments of Dakshina Kannada district under the Congress-led state government in the past two years was also released on the occasion.

The first interactive session was on 'Anna Bhagya' scheme. The beneficiaries provided feedback and suggestions for improving the scheme. Rai was asked a question by one of the beneficiaries on the reason for launching 'Anna Bhagya' and plan for tackling the anomaly in the system. In response, he said, "The 'Anna Bhagya' programme was started with one intention only - of helping the weaker section of the society. The chief minister has a vision of making Karnataka a hunger-free state. As the first step we began by providing one kilo of rice for one rupee. From this year we have begun to provide five kilos of rice free.

"We are aware that a few people have been misusing the benefits and we will launch an awareness committee in every PDS so that the anomaly in the system can be recitified. Stern action will be taken on anyone found guilty. The government is providing a subsidy of Rs 18-20 crore and Karnataka is the first state in India to provide free rice to BPL card holders, which is a matter of pride for all of us," he added.

Minister for fisheries, sports and youth services Abhayachandra Jain said, "Under the leadership of chief minister Siddaramaiah, a lot of people-friendly programmes have been launched. Along with criticising the government, people must also see the good works done by the government. Jana-Mana programme is useful for both government and the people to express concerns and to further improve welfare schemes.

"CM Siddaramaiah comes from an agricultural family. He has been through lot of hardships in his childhood with regard to education. As he himself has gone through difficult times he understands the issues faced by students and farmers, and so he aims to make Karnataka a hunger-free state. As the first step, he launched 'Anna Bhagya', 'Ksheera Bhagya' and 'Vidyasiri' which have been huge successes," Jain said.

The next interactive session was on 'Vidyasiri' scheme. A number of students thanked the government, and one of them said, "The Vidyasiri programme is useful to us. We recieve Rs 15,000 every year. The money is useful to us, as we use it to pay the hostel fees, mess bills or to purchase books, but the beneficiaries are very few. We request the government to make proper publicity among the students."

In reply, Rai said, "Vidyasiri was launched to curb problems faced by students who migrate from rural areas to the city for higher education. They face many issues regarding hostel, food etc. Higher education is always easy for the higher class of society but poor are always deprived of it. This is one step towards extending a helping hand to the students who want to pursue higher education."

Health and family welfare minister U T Khader said, "The welfare schemes are launched at Bengaluru and we do not get a picture of whether they are really useful or implemented at the ground level. Jana-Mana programme gives us clarity on the success of the programmes."

During the next session on 'Ksheera Bhagya', the scheme was lauded by Anganwadi workers. The milk distributed at the Anganwadis has benefited the children well. All the malnourished children are gaining proper weight and have requested milk to be provided on six days a week at the Anganwadis, they said.

Many other welfare schemes of the government like 'Manaswini', 'Bidayi', 'Ksheeradhare', 'Runamukta', 'Vasathi' and others were discussed.

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, ZP CEO Sreevidya, MUDA chairman Ibrahim Kodijal and others were present.