Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 23: The Asha Prakash Shetty Sahaya Hasta scheme’s annual aid distribution programme, titled ‘Neravu–2025’, will be held on December 25 at the Goldfinch Grounds, Mangaluru. This year marks the seventh edition of the initiative, under which assistance will be extended to over 100 organisations, benefiting nearly 4,000 families. An amount exceeding Rs 9.5 crore will be distributed, said MRG Group chairman Prakash Shetty.
Addressing a press conference, Prakash Shetty said that while modern technology has made medical treatment more accessible, it is equally true that not everyone can afford or access these facilities. A major portion of the aid amount has therefore been earmarked for medical assistance. He said beneficiaries have been selected by the team after identifying genuine needs and scrutinising applications, without any consideration of caste, religion or community. “Need alone is the criterion. We firmly believe that no one applies unless there is real necessity,” he added.
He said support will be provided to persons with disabilities, those requiring continuous treatment including dialysis, students in need of educational assistance, children of single parents, and achievers in the fields of culture, education and sports. Aid is also being extended to families awaiting housewarming ceremonies after constructing their homes, following an assessment of their emotional and financial circumstances. Applications seeking support for house construction have also been approved.
Prakash Shetty said that in the first year of the scheme, launched in 2019, a total of Rs 1.25 crore was distributed, benefiting 28 organisations. Regional representation has also been taken into account in the selection process. Applications from Shivamogga, Sagar, Thirthahalli, Koppa, Sakleshpur, as well as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod districts, have been reviewed and beneficiaries selected. He added that an autonomous committee oversees the entire selection process.
As in previous years, achievers will be honoured during the programme. Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader will participate in the event, along with film producer Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar. Dr Mohan Alva of Alva’s Education Trust, Moodbidri, Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, and MRG Group’s Gaurav P Shetty will also be present.
He further noted that last year, aid worth Rs 6 crore was distributed to 3,000 families. While the scheme initially focused mainly on Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod districts, its geographical reach has now been expanded to include Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and parts of Uttara Kannada districts.
The aid amount will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through direct cash transfer or, in some cases, by cheque. Support has also been extended to religious and traditional institutions that help create community assets. Transportation arrangements for beneficiaries will be provided by the MRG Group, and food arrangements will be made for all attendees.
Impact of the scheme
Under the ‘Encouragement to Education’ category, several beneficiaries have successfully completed their education, secured employment and become the main support for their families. Beneficiaries supported under the sports category are progressing on the path of achievement.
Support provided for the construction of toilets in schools has ensured hygienic sanitation facilities for boys and girls, indirectly increasing awareness of cleanliness among students and strengthening health protection. The scheme has also supported managements of aided and government schools facing teacher shortages by facilitating teacher appointments, leading to improved quality of education in some rural schools of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Additionally, assistance provided to persons with disabilities for purchasing need-based equipment has enabled many to regain mobility and independence, Prakash Shetty said.