Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Byndoor (SP)

Byndoor, Feb 14: Karnataka revenue minister, Kagodu Thimmappa, inaugurated Byndoor taluk, which has been newly formed by carving it out of Kundapur taluk, on Wednesday February 14, by lighting the lamp at the office of the special tahsidar, Byndoor.

Addressing the gathering thereafter, Thimmappa described himself as having been endowed with tremendous good fortune for having been able to bring into existence 50 new taluks in Karnataka during his tenure.

Raising the topic of distribution of title deeds for land under his department's control, the minister stated that rules and laws have been put in place to issue title deeds to people who have already built their houses in government sites and those who are cultivating government land without proper documentation. "If such people have not yet applied for title deeds, or if the applications so submitted have not yet been disposed off, the officials concerned will be directly responsible for the lapse. I will not tolerate lethargic approach in such cases. Chief minister Siddaramaiah, when taking charge of the state, had promised to provide clean and transparent administration, and assured the people to put into practice what he preached," he said.

He said he and other people's representatives go through a sense of helplessness in convincing people about the undue delay in matters which is entirely on account of callous approach of the officials, and warmed the administrations to speed up their working.

Speaking to women people's representatives on the dais, Thimmappa noted that the government has provided 50 percent reservation for women in local administration. He said it is the duty of these women representatives to ensure that the people are able to get their work done without much hassle. "We have made sure that the first names in title deed are those of women. This is a gift from the government to mothers. But if the women, instead of working to get title deeds in respect of land which they have occupied, spend time visiting Dharmasthala, Tirupathi, Kollur and other centres of pilgrimage, what unique achievements can they claim to be their own?" he questioned. He also called upon women to use broomsticks against those who own attitude of procrastination and delaying tactics.

Thimmappa explained that as per Land Revenue Act, Kumki refers to land on which farmers have special right. He stated that this land was later grouped as forest land as per the act. "The bill pertaining to this land is being placed before the legislature now. If it is found that there is problem for issuing title deeds to people who have been cultivating such lands since the times of their ancestors, I am prepared to even fight against the establishment to get the things done," he said. Thimmappa said that relating to forest land, people who have been in occupation of such lands since 70 years, need to furnish certain documents. He felt that the administration needs to be liberal in such cases. Noting that the court has stayed operation of law enacted by the government relating to Mulgeni right, he clarified that efforts are being made to vacate the stay order.

Referring to certain demands put forth by local MLA, he promised to consider construction of mini Vidhan Soudha in the taluk, enacting separate sand policy for twin-districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, and recommend to the centre about the proposal for construction of over bridge for the national highway at Byndoor on priority.

In his introductory address, local MLA, K Gopal Poojary, who presided over the function, said that Byndoor has become a taluk by only limiting itself to the jurisdiction of Byndoor revenue division, without any confusion. He noted that some offices are functioning here, while several more need to be established henceforth. He pointed out that Rs 11 crore has already been sanctioned for court building, providing bus stand of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, and construction of its depot at Byndoor. He said that foundation stones for these buildings will be laid as soon as the tender process is completed. He also requested the minster to extend a helping hand in the matter of Kumki land that was earlier treated as deemed forest, over-bridge for the highway, and construction of mini Vidhan Soudha at Byndoor. He also sought release of funds for the temple and Nirmiti kendra construction and to speed up distribution of title deeds.

On this occasion, Gopal Poojary, H Subraya Sheregar, and B Jagannath Shetty who had put in sincere efforts for the creation of this taluk, and also special tahsildar, Kiran Gourayya, who will be taking charge as the first ever tahsildar of the new taluk, were felicitated.

Kiran Gourayya welcomed. Kundapur tahsildar, G M Borkar, proposed vote of thanks. Journalist, S Arun Kumar, and teacher, Ganapati Hoblidar, presented the programme. Zilla panchayat members, K Babu Shetty, Shankar Poojary, Suresh Batawadi, and Gouri Devadiga, deputy commissioner of Udupi district, Priyanka Mary Francis, zilla panchayat chief executive officer, Shivanand Kapashi, subdivisional officer here, Bhoobalan, and taluk panchayat members were present.

Brahmavar acquires status of taluk - Thimmappa wants revenue department to work better

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar (SP)

Brahmavar, Feb 15: "With the creation of new taluk, a renewed vigour, creative thinking and fresh thoughts should emerge. The revenue department should improve its functioning by adopting fast-paced working style," said state revenue minister, Kagodu Thimmappa.

He was speaking after inaugurating the newly created Brahmavar taluk, at the office of the special tahsildar,Brahmavar, on Wednesday February 14.

Kagodu asked the officials to undertake the work of issuing title deeds to the people on a war footing. He promised to sort out confusion and issues pertaining to land marked as Paramboku, grazing land, Mulgeni right etc. He also said that about issuing title deeds to religious centres, discussions will be held and a decision would be taken soon.

"Government employees need not to visit places of pilgrimage to earn blessings and good virtues. If they serve people visiting the offices well, that would be enough to accumulate virtues which will benefit them in their lives," he stated.

In his introductory address, district in-charge minister, Pramod Madhwaraj, sought construction of mini Vidhan Soudha at Brahmavar and sanction a grant of ten crore rupees for the purpose of constructing it. He also dwelt about the problems faced in the district relating to revenue department.

MLC, Kota Srinivas Poojary, zilla panchayat vice president, Sheela K Shetty, members, Janardana Tonse, Mairmady Sudhakar Shetty, deputy commissioner of the district, Priyanka Mary Francis, former MLA, Basavaraj, Akrama Sakrama Samiti president, Mairmady Ashok Kumar Shetty, taluk panchayat president, Nalini Pradeep Rao, Saligrama town panchayat president, Ratna Nagaraja Ganiga, zilla panchayat executive officer, Shivanand Kapashi, Kundapur divisional officer, Bhoobalan and others werepresent.

On this occasion, title deeds were delivered to beneficiaries. Tahsildar, Pradeep S Kurdekar, welcomed. Prashant Shetty Havanje compered the progamme.