Mangalore: Coastal Circuit project to boost tourism in DK - R V Deshpande

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Jul 28: Minister for higher education and tourism R V Deshpande on Sunday July 28 visited the district Congress office and said that the government has planned a 'Coastal Circuit' project for the development of tourism in the coastal part of the state.

"A special 'Coastal Circuit' project has been planned for the development of tourism along Karwar and Mangalore. With the implementation of this project, tourism development is possible, and simultaneously more revenue will be generated," he said, addressing the media and a gathering of Congress leaders and party workers.

"The deputy commissioners of the three districts in the coastal belt - Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada - have been directed to submit a report on the scope for tourism development in their respective districts. They will do so at the earliest," he said.

He also said that the tourism ministry is considering ways to increase the number of foreign tourists to the state, and said that main reason for their low interest in Karnataka was poor infrastructure in tourist spots and lack of publicity. His ministry will give priority to developing the tourists spots and improving infrastructure, he said.

"With regard to the appointment of guest lecturers, the department has received nearly 37,500 online applications, out of which 8,694 have been appointed through online procedure. Deadlines will be strictly followed during the process of appointment, which is expect to be complete by July 31. Transparency will be ensured as there is no question of influence from any MLA or minister," he said.

On the issue of pending salaries to guest lecturers, he said, "Salary worth Rs 58 crore was pending, out of which Rs 22 crore has been cleared for payment. The rest of the amount will be sanctioned soon and the pending salaries will be disbursed," he added.

On the recent incidents of clashes in colleges in Dakshina Kannada, he said, "The college campus is a holy place and its sanctity should be respected. Lecturers, students or principal having affiliations to political parties or related associations is just not acceptable. Strict action will be taken against those who engage in such activities," he said.

MLA J R Lobo, leaders Ivan D’Souza, Vijay Kumar Shetty, Suresh Ballal, A C Bhandary, Mohan P V, Mohammed Badruddin, Ibrahim Kodijal and others were present.