Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 9: Newly-appointed minister for urban development and housing U T Khader on Saturday June 9 said that the fact that BJP MLAs dominate Dakshina Kannada would not come in the way of development of the district.

Answering a question on the challenges of implementing development projects in a district dominated by MLAs of the opposition, Khader said, "They (BJP MLAs) are not my enemies. We should not do politics when it comes to development, instead we should join hands and work together for the betterment of Mangaluru."

Addressing a press meet here, Khader said that a proposal will be placed in the upcoming meeting on increasing the income criteria under the housing scheme.

"Congress-JD(S) coalition government has given me the responsibility of urban development and housing. I will hold a discussion with the urban development and housing departments about the future course of action for the betterment of the people, and will sort out the existing problems.

"Lots of changes need to be made. A proposal will be placed to increase the income criteria under the housing scheme. Earlier, Rs 32,000 was the minimum income criteria, but this needs to be increased so that only the deserving people get houses. We are looking to making the criteria to avail benefits under the housing scheme very simple. We will bring about the changes in coming days," he said.

Regarding development plans for Mangaluru city, he said, "We will have in-depth discussions with the local MLA, engineers and the mayor about developing the city. In the upcoming meet in Bengaluru, it will be necessary to involve the representatives of Infrastructure Development Foundation (IDF) which planned the development works in the city, following the flooding in Mangaluru due to rains on May 29."

Former MLAs J R Lobo and Abhaychandra Jain, mayor Bhaskar Moily, deputy mayor Mohammed, former mayor Kavitha Sanil and others were present.