Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 28: Vaccination against coronavirus is underway across the nation, however, Anganwadi workers have refused to get vaccinated. "Anganwadi workers are reluctant to get the vaccine dose. Such kinds of situations can impact the mindset of the common people as they look up to these Anganwadi health workers. The concerned health department needs to create awareness among them to dispel the myths regarding the vaccines," said Sumith Shetty, president agriculture and industry standing committee at the 32nd zilla panchayath general body meeting held at Dr V S Acharya meeting hall, Manipal here on Thursday, January 28.

Responding to the statement, DHO Dr Sudhir Chandra Sooda said, "As many as 23,103 health warriors have enrolled on health department portal and as many as 9,022 have received vaccination out of the total 16,108 beneficiaries on the tenth day in the first phase. 60% of health workers have been vaccinated till date."

Zilla panchayat CEO Naveen Bhat Y said, "Vaccination is not compulsory but they should be educated under DDWCD. Let us raise awareness among them."

Sumith Shetty also directed focus on the issue of education loans that the banks are providing in the Vidyalakshmi portal and the Mudra scheme. "Banks do not have clarity on the process of an educational loan. The bank employees are harassing economically weaker sections when it comes to issuing of issue loans, where the latter is being asked to provide collateral security."

Shashikanth Padubidri raised the issue of the Suzlon land scam, "The company purchased fertile land from farmers at a very low rate only to sell it now at a huge price. They have duped farmers. There should be a fair probe in this matter."

Talking about infrastructural issues at the Padubidri beach, Shashikanth said, "The Padubidri beach has received a Blue Flag recognition. But, the beach lacks basic infrastructural facilities for tourists like parking, lavatories etc. There is no proper water facility as well. The beach authorities are not permitting the entry of locals into the park. Meanwhile, tourists are frequenting the beach, but locals are facing problem due to poor maintenance," said Shashikanth Padubidre.  

Zilla panchayat member Jyothi Harish raised the issue of increased animal attacks. "A man was recently attacked by a bear and is in critical condition at the hospital. These days wild animals are encroaching residential areas along with damaging agricultural lands. The forest department needs to take immediate action against the migration of wild animals."

Another ZP member Janardhan Thonse demanded the sanctioning of the relief fund for the houses that were damaged due to floods. He also urged that the forest officials clear Acacia trees in the Kemmannu forest area, where there are plans to build a tree park.

Dinakar Babu, president, zilla panchayat, Sheela K Shetty, vice-president, Srinivas Rao, project officer, deputy secretary and others were present.