Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 14: 'Karnataka Migrant Workers' Convention-2017' was inaugurated at Rajangana auditorium of Sri Krishna Math here on Friday, October 13.
Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math, who lighted the lamp and inaugurated the convention said, “Migrant workers from different districts have rendered their service at Udupi. Let God stay bless them. The government as well as public should examine and scrutinize their problems. The government should find suitable solutions for the problems faced by the migrant workers at the earliest. We are all Kannadigas and moreover we are Indians. Everyone should co-exist with love, harmony and friendship.”
District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, “Everyone needs to understand that migrant workers have come here from various districts in search of jobs. They are not outsiders, but citizens of India. They are our own people. I will always be with them in their ups and downs.”
“We have never shown any discrimination to them and the people of our district. We have provided basic infrastructure, ID cards, ration cards, and land to them. As many as 29 houses were built for the migrant families of Sudugadu Siddha and Budga Jangama community families, who were earlier residing at Nitturu. Rs 4000 crore has been allotted for the migrant workers’ at the labour department and they should take the benefit,” he added.
The minister also informed the gathering that Udupi district has been allotted an Indira Canteen and it will come up near the city bus stand. He also said that the necessary amount for the same has been released.
Sangappa, president, Building and Other Construction Workers’ Association briefed about the problems faced by migrant workers. “Migrant workers live at Pragathi Nagar, End point, Manipal, Beedinagudde, Indrali, Nittur, Bannanje, Brahmavar, Gandhi nagar, Adi-Udupi, Parkala Malpe and around the city. They all need basic infrastructure like water supply, toilets, house, electricity and few others,” he said.
Ellappa welcomed the gathering and Srinivas compered the programme.
Abhayachandra Jain, MLA, Moodbidri, Kota Srinivas Poojary, Harish Kini, Congress leader, Jayalakshmi Ananda Shetty, Harady gram panchayat, Shrikanth Nayak, president, Alevoor gram panchayat and others were present.