Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 22: Dakshina Kannada member of parliament, Nalin Kumar Kateel, asserted that the port at New Mangalore will not be privatized, and that as of now, no such proposal is before the central government. He added that he is strongly opposed to the idea of privatization of ports.

Addressing a press conference at Krishnapura near Suratkal on Monday Novembe 21, Nalin clarified that New Mangalore Port Trust had called for tender from private concerns for operating a berth there. He clarified that this matter is still in tendering stage.

"I have requested railway minister, Suresh Prabhu, to upgrade railway stations at Mulky and Suratkal as these two stations are near industrial areas and educational hubs. I am confident that this demand would be met during the next budget," he stated. Nalin stated that steps are being taken to absorb people working on daily wage basis in National Institute of Technology Suratkal on permanent employment. He said that two rounds of discussion were held on this subject with the department. He further added that appointment of permanent directors for this institution would be made shortly.

He noted that the chief executive officer of Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat has been transferred by the state government without posting anyone to this vacancy. He said that his party will chalk out programmes like protests and agitation if a new officer is not appointed to this post immediately.

"Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister has not been evincing any interest in implementing any development projects in the district. The minister has confined his area of operation to Bantwal taluk," he commented.

About asphalting and repair of Kana-MRPL road that is pending since long, he said that tender has been floated for first phase of works valued at Rs 1.5 crore.

Deputy mayor of the city corporation, Sumitra, corporator, Gunshekhar Shetty, former mayor, Rajani Dugganna, and several other leaders were present.