Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Nov 16: "The state government plays a significant role in projects such as Jaljeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and Annabhagya. However, the union government takes credit for them, with Narendra Modi claiming 100% free publicity. Congress representatives must convey the reality to the people," stated Priyank Kharge, the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, during the inauguration of the conference of district Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj representatives at the town hall on Wednesday.
"Informing people about our development projects is crucial. Our government prioritizes listening to the people rather than dictating to them. Party activists and representatives should communicate our development efforts to the public. Otherwise, projects like Jalajeevan Mission, in which the state government holds a 60% share, may be wrongly attributed to the prime minister. We lack in publicity despite our actions and celebrations, so we may have to borrow it from the prime minister, or else, unintentionally promote the BJP," he expressed.
"Over Rs 600 crores related to the employment guarantee scheme are pending from the center. Out of the 13 crore man-days reserved under the project, 11 crores are already completed, with three months remaining. Despite our requests, the center has not increased the reserved man-days to 18 crores," he added.
Kharge shared information about Panchatantra – 2, an experimental initiative for rural development. He explained that funds could be released promptly if gram panchayat meetings were held online, with biometric attendance for PDOs. Additionally, Arivu centers with well-equipped libraries to promote reading habits will be established, and Panchamitra call centers will address people's issues and challenges starting next month.
Former speaker V R Sudarshan discussed the celebration of 30 years of the Panchayat Raj Act. He criticized the BJP for delaying the decentralization of power and called for a five-year term for the positions of panchayat president and vice president, with reservations occurring once every two times.
District Congress president and Vidhan Parishat member Harish Kumar presided over the event, with former minister B Ramanath Rai delivering a congratulatory address. Other leaders present included Abhayachandra Jain, B Ibrahim, Shakuntala Shetty, Mithun Rai, Inayat Ali, Rakshit Shivaram, Krishnappa, Pravin Chandra Alva, M Shashidhar Hegde, Padmaraj R, G A Bava, B H Khader, Ashwin Kumar, Shalet Pinto, Lukman, Suhan Alva, and others.
Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj organization district president Subhaschandra Shetty welcomed participants, and the program covered various subjects related to panchayat raj. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by M S Mohammed, with K Sahul Hameed and Abdul Razak Kukkaje serving as comperes.
Kharge took the opportunity to criticize the BJP, calling it a sunken ship in the state. He questioned the appointment of Vijayendra as state president, citing a Lokayuktha case against him and his involvement in the PSI recruitment scam. He also commented on the accusation of dynasty politics, pointing out the BJP's own leadership choices based on familial connections.
Regarding BJP members benefiting from state government guarantees, Kharge highlighted the irony of them registering for these benefits while simultaneously criticizing the programs. He emphasized the widespread reach of projects like the Shakti project, with millions of beneficiaries, including those affiliated with the BJP and JDS. Kharge also discussed the formation of a water audit committee to address the decreasing groundwater levels in the coastal region, signaling a commitment to water conservation efforts.