Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 1: During his visit to Mangaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for officials to be proactive, efficient, and respectful towards the public. He urged them to ensure that government schemes reach beneficiaries promptly to curb corruption.
Speaking on the matter, Siddaramaiah said, "Officials should not be lethargic, show negligence, or be irresponsible in their work. The schemes should reach the beneficiaries without any delay. The public should not have to roam in offices for their work. If the public work is delayed, corruption will rise."
Furthermore, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of officials visiting the field and gaining a firsthand understanding of the ground reality. "Deputy Commissioners should visit Tahsildar offices, Assistant Commissioner offices, and the revenue department to resolve pending cases of revenue from 4-5 years. We won't spare any officer involved in corruption, and harassment of the public will not be tolerated," he added.
During the visit, Siddaramaiah addressed various concerns, including house damages caused by the monsoon and the need for a permanent solution to sea erosion in Udupi and Mangaluru.
Regarding the decline in Mangaluru's educational index, Siddaramaiah questioned the Deputy Commissioner and urged him to concentrate on resolving the issue. He also took the District Health Officer to task over the decline in the health index from 3rd to 23rd.
MLA Bharath Y Shetty informed the Chief Minister about a minute difference between the rankings, further highlighting the significance of addressing the educational index decline.
Additionally, Moodabidiri MLA Umanath Kotian raised concerns about the cancellation of a panchayath building inauguration and the suspension of PDO and EO. Siddaramaiah, in response, questioned the Deputy Commissioner and Zilla Panchayath CEO, and further ordered a probe into the matter as it was postponed as per the orders of Secretary of Minister Priyank Kharge.
MLAs also expressed grievances about officials disrespecting them. Siddaramaiah directed the officials to respect MLAs irrespective of party affiliations and warned that disciplinary action will be taken against those who fail to do so.
Regarding the disease affecting areca growers, Siddaramaiah assured that a permanent solution will be sought through scientific research. In response to Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya's demand, the Chief Minister pledged to consider a special package for areca growers facing area disease.
On law and order, the Chief Minister directed the Police Commissioner to take stringent action against drug peddlers and consumers. He also highlighted the need to keep an eye on cybercrime and consider banning online loan apps, online gaming, and betting.
During his address, Siddaramaiah stressed that moral policing should be dealt with seriously and that such individuals should not take the law into their own hands.
Regarding the guarantee schemes, 56.42 lac women have benefited from free bus travel in Puttur and Mangaluru divisions.
In addition, 78.91% with 44,0886 have applied for gruha jyothi out of 558674 beneficiaries, and 246990 have received applications of 500 centers for gruha laxmi.
Siddaramaiah also addressed the issue of Indira Canteens, stating that they should not be stopped. Wherever needed, new canteens will be opened.
District in charge ministers Dinesh Gundurao and Laxmi Hebbalkar, as well as Mayor Jayanand Anchan, were present during the visit.