Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK/JD/MS)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug 15: The 77th Independence Day was celebrated here at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru and Ajjarkad in Udupi on Tuesday August 15.
District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao hoisted the national flag. In his message, he said, “Chief minister Siddaramaiah had announced five guarantees prior to the elections and has now allotted Rs 35,410 crore for the same. In the 14th budget, all sections of the society were considered and an equal budget was announced for all. Priority has been given to maintain law and order and control moral policing.
Mangaluru
Udupi
“The government has also announced ‘Karavali Guarantee’ as people in the district are dependent on fishing activities as there are more than 66,000 fishermen and women. Rs three lac interest free loan will be provided for fishing community women. Rs 250 crore has been alloted for kerosene for fishing boats. A proposal has been submitted to distribute 2 lac kilo litre from the earlier 1.50 lac kilo litre. Rs 50,000 fund will be given to convert kerosene engine fishing boats to petrol diesel engine.
“Sasihithlu beach will be converted into a surfing spot under PPP model and steps have been taken for the same. Beach tourism will be encouraged in Mangaluru and Udupi.
The new DC office will be inaugurated this year. A mini airport will be developed at Dharmasthala which will help to boost industrial tourism.
“There 23 fisheries cooperative associations and fishing federations in which 35,970 members and 4 women cooperative associations exist in addition to 102 purse seine boats, 1354 trawl boats, 1674 machine boats and 318 traditional boats in the district. In 2022-23, Rs 4154 crore worth 3.33 lac metric ton fish production took place.
“Tourism development has been undertaken and work worth Rs 236 crore is underway. The RBSK scheme free health check-up for students is also undertaken. Under Viveka school scheme, 288 classrooms worth Rs 41 crore have been sanctioned, and 125 schools have been repaired spending Rs 4 crore worth. Also, 3 KPS schools with 12 rooms have been sanctioned worth Rs 2.56 crore.
“The government and aided schools’ 1,19,038 students are being given eggs and bananas. As many as 1,52593 students are being given free lunch.
“Under Gruha Jyothi scheme, 1.39 lac consumers got zero bill. The work on the 104-acre plastic park has already commenced in Ganjimath. Under Shakthi scheme, 6.54 lac woman have travelled and 14.32 lac women in Puttur division have travelled for free,” he informed.
Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasised on maintaining peace and harmony. “Stop spreading hatred, everyone should stand unitedly and work for peace and harmony. There are a lot of provocative speeches heard across the country along with incidents of violence. We always need to maintain peace and harmony and build confidence among people,” he said.
Sixteen troupes and 3 band teams took part in the grand Independence Day parade.
Speaker UT Khader, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Veerendra Heggade, MLA Mangaluru South Vedavyas Kamath, MLA Mangaluru North Dr Bharath Y Shetty, MLA Bantwal Rajesh Naik, MLA Beltangady Harish Poonja, MLA Moodbidri Umanath Kotian, MLA Puttur Ashok Rai, Sullia MLA Bhaghirathi Murulya, MLCs B M Farooq, S L Bojegowda, Manjunath Bhandary, Kota Srinivas Poojary and Prathap Simha Nayak, mayor Jayanand Anchan, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, police Commissioner Kuldeep Jain, superintendent of police C B Rishyanth, zilla panchayat CEO Dr Anand K, MCC commissioner Anand C L and others were present.
Independence Day was celebrated by the district administration at the Mahatma Gandhi stadium at Ajjarakadu in Udupi.
District in-charge minister Laxmi Hebbalkar hoisted the flag and received the guard of honour. Addressing the gathering, Laxmi said, “We have to take a pledge to protect the Independence of our country on this auspicious day of 77th Independence Day. Independence of our country is the sum of sacrifices by our forefathers who fought against the British. Let us all work towards realizing the goals of the freedom fighters.
“Twenty-five years have passed since Udupi was formed as a district. It has got exquisite natural beauty, beaches, educational institutions and medical facilities. Honest effort will be made to develop the district further. We have to get over the communal feelings and stand united as Indians.
“Today we have a pro-people government in Karnataka. Congress government is trying to improve the quality of life of Kannadigas. It gives emphasis on the development of poor section of society. Udupi district is considered as the district of intelligent people. I have the opportunity to serve as the district minister. I have all the issues that are bothering the public like sea erosion and foot bridges. I will take action to resolve them,” she said.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, deputy commissioner Vidyakumari, ADC Mamata Devi, ZP CEO Prasanna H and SP Hakay Akshay Machhindra were present.