Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi Feb, 8: "My stand on Hijab row is clear. A uniform means there is should not Be any difference in the dress code. That is why a uniform is prescribed in the colleges," said District in-charge minister S Angara.

Reacting to media persons on Hijab versus saffron shawl dispute in colleges on Tuesday, February 8, Angara said, "Students should abide by the uniform policy. Recently the government had passed an order also in this regard. All the colleges should follow them. Rules are the same for all colleges be it private or government. All colleges should follow certain code. There is no question of Hijab or saffron."

Angara added that there was no need to such conflicts among students for political gains.

He refused to answer whether it was a failure on the part of the district administration in maintaining law and order in Udupi.

Minister Angara was here to attend a review meeting of the Karnataka Development Programmes held at Zilla panchayat meeting on Tuesday.

He received 13 major complaints, of which more were on problems concerning National Highways, street lights on them and underground drainage facility. These issues will be discussed in parliament session, Angara assured.

'I have noticed that government funds are not utilised properly by the department in many government programmes. I have strictly instructed the department concerned to utilise those grants by March. None of the government grants should get lapsed because of delay in planning", he asserted.

"About 70 percent of the government programmes were implemented and 30 percent are pending. I will take immediate action for its implementation," he assured.

Deputy commissioner M Kurma Rao, Udupi Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr Naveen Bhat were present.