Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Nov 1: A ‘Manipal Arogya Health Card’ distribution programme was held in front of Shamili Hall, Ambalpady, here on Saturday October 31 morning, under the aegis of G Shankar Family Trust, Mogaveera Yuva Sanghatane Udupi and Manipal University. A total of 4,500 cards were distributed under this initiative.
Union labour minister, Mallikarjun Kharge, who inaugurated the programme, said that introducing good programmes or schemes is an easy task, but their proper implementation or execution are always found to be wanting, as they are not properly implemented by the implementing agencies. He observed that because of the land reforms brought about in the state by the then Congress government, lacs of tenants from the twin-districts became owners of the land they tilled till then. He reminded the people that this was not the case with other states.
He urged the service organizations to take interest in properly implementing the government programmes meant for the benefit of the families that live below poverty line. “The central government has introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme. Inspired by this scheme, Manipal University and Shankar Family Trust have come out with a health card scheme for the poor people,” he noted. Kharge blamed the state government for not taking interest in popularizing this scheme of the central government, adding that so far, 60 lac cards have been issued under this scheme, benefiting one crore families. He added, that the present scheme will be extended to cover six crore families and 30 crore people in the next year.
Kharge blamed the state government for its failure to properly implement various central schemes, saying that the state government feels that extending full benefits of these schemes to the people will result in added popularity for the government at the centre.
Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, who distributed the cards, noted that several schemes introduced by the government are being implemented by other people or organizations. This happens because the government does not efficiently implement the schemes. At the same time, the governments include figures that such voluntary organizations achieve, under its own achievements, he noted. The Lokayukta observed that misuse of government schemes is rampant everywhere, adding that finding fault with the government’s functioning is his job.
Justice Santosh Hegde felt that the national highway repair work appears to be benefiting only the contractors, and not the people who use the highway. He made known his decision to undertake an inquiry into the highway repairs.
Manipal University pro-vice chancellor H S Ballal, Kaup MLA, Lalaji R Mendon, Manipal University dean, Dr Sripati Rao, former MP, Vinay Kumar Sorake and entrepreneur Pramod Madhwaraj participated as chief guests.
Satish Amin Padukere welcomed. President of the Trust, G Shankar, delivered the introductory address. Chandresh Pitrody compered the programme.