Mangalore: Billava Union Seeks Political Representation in Government  
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje 
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)  

Mangalore, Jan 3: The Akhila Bharatha Billavara Union submitted a memorandum seeking political representation for Billavas in government to minister for food and civil supplies Harathal Halappa on Sunday January 3 during his visit to the city.  

The memorandum was handed over by Naveen Chandra Suvarna, president of the Union, in the presence of other office-bearers of the organization. The minister said that the matter will be brought to notice of chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and state president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) D V Sadananda Gowda.    

Halappa also visited Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple in the city.  

Direct-to-Market to Benefit Rice Farmers 

Halappa, speaking to press persons, said that the state government is planning to restart the ‘Akki Santhe’ to boost rice prices.  

“The direct-to-market ‘Akki Santhe’ elicited a huge response initially, in Bangalore, and was running successfully. But following the non co-operation of some producers and mill owners, this was stopped”, he said.   

“The direct-to-market always helps get a good price as there will not be any middlemen and the producer can directly approach the consumer”, Halappa said, adding that the government plans to restart the initiative for the benefit of rice growers.  

Speaking about the price rise of essential commodities, the minister said that the state government can only control the stock. “The centre has to introduce a measure to control price rise and if it’s introduced, the state will co-operate”, he added.  

“Confusion over the issuing of ration cards has been brought to the notice of the government”, he said, adding that 20,000 cards have been distributed in Dakshina Kannada district.