Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Aug 29: Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik has sharply criticised the police for imposing restrictions on religious celebrations, cautioning that such heavy-handedness risks dealing a serious blow to the district’s tourism and economy. Speaking at the first quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting for 2025–26 on Friday, Naik called on police to exercise greater sensitivity and operate strictly within legal boundaries.
Addressing the gathering at the Taluk Panchayat SGSY hall, he voiced concern over the police interference during Vinayaka Chaturthi festivities, which are a cherished annual tradition. “Police have the authority to permit sound systems till midnight under the Pollution Control Act. However, new internal directives have resulted in officers abruptly halting events, causing confusion and hurting public sentiment,” Naik said.
The MLA urged authorities to provide organisers with advance notice about any new restrictions. “If violations occur, they should be handled with dialogue and persuasion, not by sudden shutdowns,” he stressed. Naik further warned that Bantwal enjoys a calm atmosphere, but forcibly silencing traditional drums, bhajans, and sound systems risks provoking unrest. “Police must handle the situation with utmost care,” he advised.
During the session, deputy tahsildar Narendra Nath Mittur informed that 54 cases under Sections 94C and 146 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act await resolution in Bantwal. Reacting, Naik said he had already delegated powers on illegal constructions to the Deputy Commissioner and had raised the matter in the state assembly.
Nominated member Mohammed Nandavar highlighted delays in issuing property rights certificates, even to those who have constructed homes, prompting Naik to instruct officials to investigate promptly.
Tensions flared early when some taluk officials, including the tahsildar, were initially absent, leading Naik to consider adjourning the meeting. Officials, barring the tahsildar, arrived soon after.
Mittur also updated the house that 36,796 beneficiaries receive pensions in the taluk, though renewal procedures in some villages risk excluding the differently-abled and seriously ill. Nandavar recommended that village accountants visit these vulnerable groups to ensure continued benefits.
Education officer Manjunath reported that proposals to repair government schools damaged by recent rains have been submitted, and 253 guest teachers for primary schools along with 81 for secondary schools have been appointed.
KDMC member Sadananda Shetty raised concerns over locating a solid waste management unit on a school playground in Kaval Moodur Grama Panchayat. Executive officer Sachin Kumar clarified that only dry waste collection would be allowed there, but assured a review.
The revenue department disclosed that 504.83 acres of land in the taluk are earmarked for public purposes.
A vigorous debate unfolded over the '9/11' land record dispute, with Nandavar demanding clear responsibility for resolving the issue and condemning blame-shifting within the Gram Panchayat. EO Sachin Kumar asserted that the Gram Panchayat Secretary must address the matter without need for special orders.
Ravindra Kambli, president of SKADS Cooperative Society, pointed out that Rs 80 lac remains unpaid by the government under the ration subsidy scheme for Dakshina Kannada, although dues for Udupi are cleared. Naik pledged to raise this with the Food and Civil Supplies Minister and requested a detailed list of outstanding payments.
Naik also proposed converting the residence of Panjem Magesh Rayar beside Bantwal Government Hospital into a dialysis centre. He urged the health officer to expedite recruitment of an anaesthetist and gynaecologist and press higher authorities on the matter.
On transport, KSRTC officials assured that drivers and conductors have been appointed and that new bus routes, including to Kadeshwalya, will soon commence.
In a symbolic protest against the state’s new loudspeaker volume restrictions during festivals like Vinayaka Chaturthi, Naik refrained from using the microphone throughout the meeting to express his dissent.
Prior to the session, Naik distributed tailoring machines, water beds, hearing aids, and walking sticks to differently-abled beneficiaries.
The meeting was attended by executive officer Sachin Kumar, administrative officer Manjunath, taluk panchayat committee president Jayanthi Poojary, nominated members Girish Parve, Abdullah A, Shobha Rai, and various departmental officials.