Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Aug 26: A key quarterly KDP meeting was held recently at the Kundapura taluk panchayat, bringing several pressing issues into the spotlight. The meeting, attended by local officials and public representatives, addressed concerns across various sectors, including fisheries, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Fisheries and Agriculture:

A significant point of contention was the lack of housing for fishermen in the Byndoor constituency. MLA Gururaj Gontihole criticised the Fisheries Department for its inaction, warning that if the situation remains unresolved, he would lead a protest in front of the department office on October 1.

In the realm of agriculture, MLA Kiran Kodgi expressed frustration over the shortage of planting seeds. He directed agriculture officials to promptly submit the required demand to ensure an adequate supply for the taluk.

Healthcare challenges

Healthcare issues were also a focal point of the meeting. MLA Kiran Kodgi raised concerns about the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, noting problems with accessing beds at Manipal hospitals. He explained that the referral letters from government hospitals are only applicable for surgeries and mentioned efforts to address these concerns at the government level.

The discussion also touched on the Yashaswini insurance scheme, with Kodgi highlighting that benefits through cooperative societies are based on package terms.

He acknowledged the lack of Yashaswini coverage at Manipal hospitals as a significant issue for the local populace. In response to the pressure on Manipal hospitals, Kodgi recommended that patients consider Mangaluru, where additional medical facilities and Ayushman services are available.

Education and Social concerns

The meeting also addressed the deteriorating condition of government school buildings. MLA Kiran Kodgi urged the education department to take urgent action, stressing that any resulting accidents should hold the authorities accountable.

Further discussions raised concerns about hostel wardens not effectively supervising students, with reports of high absenteeism in schools and colleges. Education officials were encouraged to visit institutions to ensure proper monitoring of student attendance.

Infrastructure and Safety

Infrastructure issues were also highlighted, particularly concerning the condition of the Kundapura bridge. There were calls for immediate attention from authorities to address the bridge’s deteriorating state.

Additionally, the meeting covered recent safety concerns in Vakwadi, where a fatal assault has led to delays in apprehending the main suspects. There were calls for increased police patrols and prompt action to capture the accused.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on resolving these issues promptly to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. The discussion was attended by Tahsildar Shobha Lakshmi, taluk panchayat executive officer Shashidhar, and Byndoor tahsildar, among other officials.