Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP/HB)

Udupi, Feb 2: “Minister of social welfare and backward classes in the state H Anjaneya had stayed in Moorooru, Kalthodu, Kundapur taluk. Understanding their situation, the state government has sanctioned a special package of Rs ten crore for the all-round development of Koraga community and to provide basic facilities in their colonies. A project plan has been prepared for different development projects and approval has been obtained,” said minister of Karnataka for fisheries, youth empowerment, sports and district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

He was speaking in the meeting to discuss problems and lapses of Koraga community in zilla panchayat auditorium here, on Friday, February 2. He asked the officials to start the projects soon.

“Another Rs three crore for the development of Koraga community will be released. Obtain approval at deputy commissioner level and start the work,” he directed an ITDP official.

“Entire medical expenditure of Koragas even in private hospitals is being borne by ITDP department. No amount should be received from the patient,” he said. Meanwhile Koraga community leaders said that some hospitals do not comply with the order. The minister asked the DHO to send a circular to all the private hospitals in the district and asked to conduct investigations of hospitals who take money from the community’s patients.

“Verify if the land allotted to Koraga community is fit for cultivation and if not convert it suitably for cultivation. Provide all the necessary facilities to conduct farming activities,” he said to the officers of agriculture and horticulture department.

“Koraga community youth should be provided reservation for jobs. The matter will be brought to the notice of chief minister. Koraga youth should receive sports kit under Kreeda Chaitanya project.

“Koraga community is being provided Rs 4.5 lac for constructing houses. Make use of the facility,” he said. “The government is giving positive response to the problems of the community and is bound for their all-round progress,” he said.

He asked Byndoor MLA Gopla Poojary to bring to his notice with the proposal the need for more funds for the development of the community.

Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, CEO Shivananda Kapashi, additional SP Kumarachandra, Koraga community leaders and district level officers were present.

Monthly pension for 13 endosulfan victims approved

Monthly pension for newly identified 13 endosulfan victims was approved in the meeting chaired by minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

The minister in the general meeting regarding the development of health and rehabilitation of endosulfan victims held at V S Acharya auditorium of zilla panchayat also reviewed the report of meeting held on August 3, 2017.

The minister asked DC Priyanka Mary Francis to speak to the director of women’s and children development regarding establishing permanent rehabilitation center for endosulfan victims in Senapur gram, Nada. He said that he will speak to the concerned minister in later stages.

DHO Dr Rohini informed that a proposal to call for tenders for mobile clinic with physiotherapy service has been prepared and sent to state endosulfan cell for approval.

“Water beds for 26 people, one wheel chair and one walker have been provided to the victims. There are requests for another five water beds, two walkers and two wheel chairs. Their purchase has been ordered,” said Dr Rohini. “There is an agreement with KMC for their health services. Rs 28,39,779 have been reimbursed to 124 people. There were no problems for the payments,” she said.

The minister warned not to harass the victims for bus passes when they travel for medical treatment. “Receive applications and issue passes,” he said to KSRTC officer. As many as 983 such passes have been issued so far.

Physically challenged and parents federation president Manjunath Hebbar said that ramps are required in Byndoor and Navunda gram panchayats and stressed on the need for universal ID and permanent rehabilitation center. The minister said that the process for universal ID is in progress and asked the deputy commissioner and zilla panchayat to install ramps.

Zilla panchayat president Dinaker Babu, vice president Sheela Shetty, taluk panchayat president Nalini Pradeep Rao, Zilla panchayat assistant secretary Nagesh Raiker, assistant commissioner Bhoobalan, honorary president of physically challenged and parent’s federation Venkatesh Koni were present. Dr Rohini welcomed and thanked the participants.