Bhatkal: A quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) review meeting was held in Bhatkal on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal S. Vaidya. The meeting, held at the Taluk Panchayat hall, focused on reviewing departmental progress and addressing local issues.
During the session, Minister Vaidya took strong exception to political interference in government hospitals, instructing health officials to report such matters to their superiors and ensure patients receive proper care and medicines without disruption.
In the veterinary department, officials proposed the construction of a compound and room in Bengre, and informed the minister about ₹50 lakh sanctioned for a new office in Bhatkal. The minister noted government support for two goshalas in the taluk and compensation to farmers for cattle loss, benefitting over 60 families so far.
Concern was raised over non-functional rain gauges affecting insurance claims, with the minister directing their repair within 10 days. He also questioned discrepancies in rainfall reporting.
Commending improved SSLC results—with an 88% pass rate from 2,017 students—the minister attributed success to departmental efforts following prior KDP recommendations. He supported honoring top-performing students and teachers and stressed the need to relocate schools from rented premises to permanent buildings.
Criticizing inadequate bus services in rural areas, especially on weekends and holidays, Minister Vaidya instructed KSRTC to restore services and introduce evening buses from Bhatkal and Honnavar. He also emphasized transport for ITI and degree college students in Jali.
On power supply issues, officials cited reduced inflow from the Sirsi grid. The minister called for a meeting with KPTCL to explore alternatives, including supply from Byndoor.
Horticulture and land use were discussed, with the minister seeking resolution of long-pending land issues. He was informed of discounted sapling distribution and compensation for animal attacks by the Forest Department.
In social welfare, he instructed hostel authorities to admit additional students beyond the sanctioned number if needed, and confirmed the opening of a new women’s hostel. Payments under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme have been released for up to three months, he added.
The minister also directed timely clearance of revenue files and proper ration distribution. Labour department officials noted 300 auto drivers have been issued ID cards so far, out of 2,000–3,000 expected.
He called for re-tendering of urban development works within a week and instructed the Excise and Police Departments to jointly conduct anti-drug awareness programs in schools and colleges. The excise department requested a local nicotine testing center to avoid dependency on Kundapur.
Land survey delays were addressed, with the minister seeking drone survey completion within two months in urban areas. The Port Department reported a ₹400 crore tender process underway for the Muroor port project.
The minister also addressed a long-pending well construction issue in Hadlur, distributed laptops to the top three SSLC performers of 2023–24, and received a memorandum from Choutani fish market vendors seeking improvements to their facility.
Bhatkal incharge Assistant Commissioner Kavya Rani, Tahsildar Nagendra Kolashetty, incharge president of Town Municipal Council Altaf Kharuri, Guarantee Committee Chairman Raju Naik, amongst other officials, were present.