Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 27: On the issue of supplying food kits to the coronavirus-infected people within the gram panchayat, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, and Kandavar panchayat development officer (PDO), Yashwant, had a telephonic conversation bordering argument. This audio has become viral.

The minister had called the PDO to ask what steps have been taken to distribute food kits to the infected people on behalf of the gram panchayat. The PDO is heard saying that the panchayat is not aware of how much commodity is required, and quotation or tender will have to be conducted. He also added that there are many other rules. The minister then is heard advising him to check what the gram panchayat next to him had done in this regard and take steps as may be necessary. The PDO is heard saving that he will not deviate from rules.

The zilla panchayat chief executive officer also came to know of the conversation. He immediately issued warning to the PDO. Later, the PDO visited the minister's office, and apologised, duly agreeing not to repeat this mistake. The minister condoned his behaviour on humanitarian grounds and also as the PDO is an ex-serviceman. He asked the PDO to make sure no to allow such incidents to recur, and advised him to work well.