Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Dec 1: MLC and chief whip of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Ivan D'Souza on Friday, December 1 slammed MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for not pressurizing the central government to construct a 4-lane road between Moodbidri and Mangaluru.

Addressing media here, Ivan said, “After continuous protests from locals, the patchwork of potholes on national highway 169 was taken up. I was part of the protest at Gurupur Bridge along with the locals. I will not rest until the construction work of the 4-lane road between Moodbidri and Mangaluru is started,"

“At the zero hour during Belagavi session, I had questioned about the repair of the road. A proposal of Rs 17.50 crore was submitted to the central government. But the National Highway Authority has not yet approved the same. I also drew the attention of officials about this road at the KDP meeting. The district administration is ready to help NHAI, especially in the case of land acquisition," he added.

“I request our MP Nalin Kumar to do something about it. He can pressurize the central government and get it done. But from the past ten years in his tenure as an MP, he is sitting silently and mocking the protests of the locals. He does not seem to have any interest in helping the locals solve the issue of bad roads. D V Sadananda Gowda and Shobha Karandlaje are also from this area and they know the problems of people. But they are not bothered about it. They are busy with speeches. Speeches cannot solve problems. We need collective efforts to convert this road as a 4-lane highway," he said.

“It is my sincere request that NHAI should shift their office from Shivamogga to Mangaluru. How can they manage or control the construction process sitting at a place far from the project area?” questioned Ivan.

Rehabilitation of beedi workers

“There are no beedi industries now. Majority of our women involved in beedi industry have no jobs now and are facing financial problems. A three and half an hour of discussion was held on the issue at the session. The government has assured me that the former beedi workers would be trained in tailoring and garment industry. They will be paid a stipend of Rs 3,500 for 45 days of training along with a sewing machine," he informed.

“That will help them to do tailoring job at their homes. Meanwhile, the government is also interested to start garment industries. These industries will give priority to trained women. The training centers are already functioning in 8 taluks. I request all beedi workers to make use of the opportunity and get trained,” he said.

Sauharda Christmas 2017

“We have been celebrating the festivals of all religions in the last two years. This is the month of Christmas. So on this occasion, we will organise a programme 'Sauharda Christmas 2017' on December 21 at Kankanady market ground. Minister Ramanath Rai will inaugurate the programme and mayor Kavita Sanil will preside over it. Ministers U T Khadar, Pramod Madhwaraj, former Union minister Oscar Fernandes and others will grace the event," he said.