By Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)
Bantwal, Sep 19: Members of the ruling party demanded their honorary payment and refused to accept the honorary payment during the general body meeting held on Wednesday at the Bantwal municipality.
Vasu Poojary Loretto, president of the municipality, presided over the meeting. The issue was raised by ruling party members Janardhan Chandtimaar, Mohammed Sharif, Ramakrishna Alva, Hasainar, Siddique, and others. They demanded an explanation for the withholding of payments despite the deputy commissioner's order, questioning the president's silence on the matter. In response, Vasu Poojary contacted the project director and instructed immediate release of the honorary payment, which pacified the members.
A heated discussion also ensued regarding the absence of a letter from the Karnataka Urban Water Supply (KUWS) board to Bantwal municipality about the second phase of the 24x7 drinking water supply project in Jakribettu. Member Govinda Prabhu confronted the president and project engineer. When President Vasu Poojary claimed he was unaware of the letter, Prabhu expressed his frustration. Poojary later assured that a meeting on the issue would be held soon.
Members also urged the president to take action against the illegal dumping of garbage in the taluk’s border areas. Member Hariprasad noted that some municipality members supported violators when fines were imposed. Vasu Poojary promised that iron nets would be installed along the border areas to curb the issue.
Immediate past president Mohammed Sharif expressed his frustration about the difficulties he faced from certain officers and members during his tenure. In a surprising turn of events, VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell, immediate past president Sharif, and Hasainar, who had previously challenged him, entered the meeting together, surprising the members.
Vice President Moonish Ali and Chief Officer Leena Britto were present on the dais. Health Inspector Ratna Prasad, Engineer Dominic D'Mello, and staff members Razak and Umavati responded to the members' questions.
Members Shashikala, Vidyavati, Devaki, Lolaksha Shetty, Zeenath Firoz, Mohammed Nandarabettu, and Jayarama Naika also participated in the discussions.