Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Nov 1: Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of Kannada Rajyotsava programme here on Wednesday, minister, Pramod Madhwaraj, clarified why Kannada flag was not hoisted although the chief minister had hoisted it.

"Officially the district administration has not received any instruction on this issue from the state. I have no separate stand on the issue. It is same as that of the chief minister," he clarified.

On the issue of rejection of Rajyotsava award by Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag, who was chosen for his service to senior citizens, Pramod said that the government chose him for the award although he had not applied for it. He noted that thousands of applications for rewards are received.

"Minister, Umashree had called me on the controversy, and suggested that I can choose another person in place of Shanbhag for the award. I too appreciate what Shanbhag is doing and his concern for senior citizens. But it is not easy to do things the way we want. Many of the issues are relating to revenue department and assistant commissioner, and they cannot bypass rules. I pray god to give him the patience as systems move at their own pace. I too have sympathy for protection to be extended to aged people, I too had referred certain cases to him, and I support this cause. But legal matters do not move at a fast pace and we should understand that," he explained.