Pics: Jeeva DCosta

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Aug 31: A public meeting addressing urgent land issues was held at the Rotary Brahmavara Sabhabhavan in Brahmavara, drawing concerned citizens and local leaders.

Former minister Jayaprakash Hegde stressed the importance of community involvement in resolving land disputes. During his address, Hegde noted the ongoing land-related challenges in the Karavali region and criticised the uneven enforcement of laws. “When a common person approaches government official, their demands are often ignored. But when a minister intervenes, the same officials become more accommodating,” he remarked.

Hegde urged the public to elect representatives who genuinely care about their needs and are dedicated to addressing their issues. He also called on citizens to compile a list of their land and revenue problems and to engage directly with revenue department officials.

Former zilla panchayat member Bhujanga Shetty highlighted persistent issues within the revenue department. “Revenue problems have been ongoing for 8 to 10 years, particularly concerning the complexities of Forms 9 and 11,” he stated. Shetty expressed frustration over corruption within the department and criticised current ministers and MLAs for failing to resolve these issues, resulting in land loss for many.

Rotary president Shridhar Shetty and Chetan Shetty, who introduced the event, also spoke to the gathering. They echoed concerns about increasing corruption and the frequent transfers of honest government officials. The discussion also covered several critical forms related to land ownership and regularization, including Forms 9, 11, 57, and 94 C, which are central to ongoing land disputes.

The event was attended by Jayaprakash Hegde, former ZP member Bhujanga Shetty, Rotary Club president Shridhar Shetty, with Chetan Shetty introducing the guests and Alwyn Andrade compering the event.