Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 24: “As education and health are important aspects for a successful society, let the services being provided by this district in these sectors be a role model for other districts. The concerned should put in maximum efforts to ensure that there are no complaints concerning health and education sectors from the district during the next five years”, said Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice P Vishwanath Shetty. He was speaking at the district level officers meeting held in the office of district deputy commissioner here on Thursday February 23.
“If the officials do their work sincerely, duly responding positively to the needs of the people, complaints received by the Lokayukta will be minimal”, he stated. He reminded the officers about their foremost responsibility of making sure that children are not deprived of education under right to education act. The deputy director of public instruction gave details regarding measures taken for educating Koraga children, Prerana programme which is meant to make sure that girls do not stop their education half way and also about children’s home at Kumbhashi. The Lokayukta who listened to the measures undertaken for streamlining education, said that he will be personally present in the counselling with the parents of Koraga children and speak to the parents. Stressing on the need for upgrading government health facilities, he said that there are several instances of people becoming bankrupt after going to private hospitals and clinics. “Government health facilities should be reliable and people-friendly. There should be no anonymous complaints to the department in this respect”, he said to the district health and family welfare officer.
“There should be no room for corruption. Caesarean section delivery has become a business. Health of mothers and their children should be given prime importance. I will be happy if the information provided by the officials is true. Legal action will be taken if the situation is contrary to what is stated”, he said.
He listened to the reviews and problems of the departments of agriculture, horticulture, panchayat raj, social welfare, development of backward class, animal husbandry, revenue and police. “It is possible to solve the problems by making optimum use of available resources instead of waiting for the government to appoint new staff. Make the most of the facilities currently provided”, he suggested.
Not corruption alone
“Lokayukta has the power to take action against non-discharge of duty within the stipulated time frame”, he said. He listened to the steps taken by officials to improve animal husbandry, agriculture and horticulture departments. “Panchayat Raj is department has been providing basic facilities to the people. National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme, scheme to provide shelter to the homeless, Swachcha Bharath mission, cleanliness and waste disposal of are the programmes which need added thrust. Encouragement for manufacturing pipe compost by providing pipes free of cost will help to implement these programmes”, he said. “The programmes meant for people should reach the people. I need to know the reasons if there are obstructions in making this happen. There should be no problems for public works”, he said.
The deputy conservator of forests explained the projects available from forest department. “Forests should be preserved. The department should be vigilant. Take a survey of tree cuttings and planting of saplings”, he instructed. He asked the officials to write to the government to increase funds for fishermen’s calamity fund. “Keep an eye on ration shops online to make sure that quality food grains are supplied to the beneficiaries and get the measures implemented within the next fifteen days”, he said. “It is heard that sand mining has become a grave issue in this district. Sand mining spoils the ecological system of villages. Everybody has the duty to protect environment. Punishment is imminent if one goes against law”, he warned.
“Lokayukta is empowered to make sure that welfare of people is taken care of. It is not weak”, he clarified.
“There should be no negligence in discharging one's duty. Take the help of deputy commissioner in making sure that there is no deviation from law. Do not give room for sand mining in the district. Seize the sand that has been piled up. The results will be obtained from the deputy commissioner”, he said.
He asked city municipal commissioner if there are constructions on footpaths in the city. “Licenses for houses are being issued online. Those should be given within 45 days. Follow set back policy that is implemented for a good cause”, he said.
Deputy commissioner, Priyanka Mary Francis, Lokayukta S P, Rashmi, additional deputy commissioner, Anuradha, assistant commissioner, Shilpa Nag, additional SP, Vishnuvardhan and other officials were present at the meeting.