Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 15: G Jagadeesha, current deputy commissioner of this district, took over charge on August 20 last year. Since then, he has made it a point not to confine himself to office alone, and has tried to see that government schemes reach the people for whom they are meant, by undertaking house to house visits. He has earned the title, 'People's DC', and has been undertaking many development initiatives and serving the district and its people honestly.

Jagadeesha is from Sorab in Shivamogga district. He was the chief executive officer of Kolar zilla panchayat before coming here, and was promoted to IAS from KAS in 2017. He had served as the commissioner of Mysuru City Corporation and as the personal secretary of forest minister in the 2013-18 government led by Siddaramaiah. In 2006, he had worked as sub-divisional officer here and also served as principal of Morarjee Desai Residential School at Kadur for two years.

During the period of deputy commissioners, Ponnuraj and Hemalatha here, he had served as probationary officer. He has handled coronavirus issue efficiently and his functioning style has come in for praise from all the sections of the people. The district even earned praise from the Centre for effectively fighting coronavirus.

Excerpts from his exclusive interview with Daijiworld:

1. On regulating people after lifting of lockdown: "We have seriously worked on lockdown in the district and the people have extended cooperation. In future too we will give clear information to people based on orders from the central and state governments.

2. On earning popularity and confidence of people: Nothing can be achieved if deputy commissioners keep distance from the people. We realize the pulse of the people when we mingle with them.

3. On leading Udupi as model district in the absence of district in-charge minister: I do not experience pressure. As a team leader, I was required to take along officials and the public. In-charge minister, Basavaraj Bommai, is a member of state level core committee. Still he speaks to me every day to get information, and issues directions. He has allowed me to work freely, and all the people's representatives in the district have been cooperative.

4. Water shortage during summer: We have been working tirelessly since the last about four months and removed silt from Baje dam to see that water for 15 additional days gets stored there. We have started rationing by dividing the city into three zones. We have asked farmers using river water to use jet or drip irrigation for cultivation. If they violate, we will cut power supply.

5. On controlling people: Initially there was some challenge as there are over 2,000 people who are from abroad. Identifying them was also a challenge. All of them have completed quarantine, and we have asked them to be under quarantine for 14 more days. In case of students from abroad, KMC have been keeping them in quarantine and keeping watch on their health. 100-bed Dr TMA Pai Hospital has been given for corona treatment, which is first in the state. I am grateful to KMC management for this initiative.

6. Initial response of people for lockdown: Initially it was difficult for a couple of days and we had to act tough. The people have since proved that this is really the district of intelligent people.

7. Steps to regulate number of coronavirus patients: We are following lockdown seriously, and three teams visit home quarantines every day, and police team has visited 2,000 houses. We have kept everything ready if the situation goes out of hand, and we have got support from Infosys and G Shankar. Borders of the district have been sealed.

8. On suicide by liquor addicts: A unit of personal counselling has been opened in the district hospital. People who come across liquor addicts getting depressed are requested to inform the district control room, or relatives of the addicts can inform the control room. The district administration brings them and arranges for counselling.

9. On people from district struck in other districts: Presently we have strict instructions to see that people should stay where they are. People should cooperate till the government reviews the situation and taken further decision.

10. On postponement of SSLC and PU exams: I regret for the postponement of these examinations. The district education department is targeting for 100 percent result and we will hold orientation before the examination. Students should study regularly and should not worry.

11. Message you want to give through our media: This is tough time for everyone and I request people to continue to extend cooperation as before.

Watch full interview: