Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 12: "This election is also a lesson for my son. He is brave and will accept this defeat as a stepping stone to victory," said Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Minister for Women and Child Welfare and in-charge minister, during a district-level review meeting held on Wednesday, June 12 at the DC office.

Reflecting on the Lok Sabha election, Hebbalkar said, "We campaigned in Belagavi four times and were confident of winning, but we are disappointed with the result. We are still investigating the cause of the defeat. After losing, we should not blame anyone. Blaming others is not a sign of leadership. This election is a lesson. I have lost twice before and stood firm."

Addressing coastal erosion in Coastal Karnataka, Hebbalkar stated, "A temporary relief of Rs 5 crore has been allocated for three districts for ongoing work, and each district will receive an additional Rs 5 crore. We are also constructing 400 bridges through the irrigation department. Currently, 209 government buses are operating in the district, and 3,000 more buses will be distributed across the state. The demand for government buses has increased since the introduction of the Shakti Yojana, and new buses will arrive in Udupi soon."

Regarding law and order, Hebbalkar said, "Law and order in the district are well maintained, and action will be taken against gang members involved in the gang war case."

Commenting on the 'Go Back' campaign, she said, "I have no information on this campaign. Party members will ensure that I fulfill my duties without fail. As my son was a candidate for the Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency, I was entrusted with the responsibility for the Belagavi constituency."

Hebbalkar also addressed issues related to the monsoon, advising officials to take precautionary measures against floods and other accidents. She emphasized the need to prevent fatalities and property damage and highlighted the importance of immediate action to ensure safety, especially for women and children.

She warned about the heavy rainfall in Udupi district and stressed the urgency of providing relief to those affected by lightning strikes, which have already claimed three lives. Hebbalkar instructed officials to ensure proper drainage of rainwater in urban and rural areas and for health department officials to regularly test water quality.

Acknowledging the increased demand for M4 variety seeds, Hebbalkar directed the Agriculture Department to distribute quality seeds promptly. She also stressed the importance of constructing check dams scientifically to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion.

Congratulating Udupi district for achieving first place in the SSLC examination this year, Hebbalkar commended the Education Department and urged them to prioritize the completion of repair works in schools.

On the Renuka Swamy murder case, she stated, "The law is equal for everyone, and justice will be given to the victim. No individual influence will work before the law. The guilty will be punished according to the law, and the government will support the distressed families."

Present at the meeting were Udupi DC Dr Vidya Kumari, SP Arun K, CEO of Zilla Panchayath Pratheek Bayal, and others.