Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 28: District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj on Tuesday, February 27 informed that the state government had sanctioned a total Rs 33.045 crore to the constituency for construction of community halls for other backward classes, and repair work of churches and renovation under various schemes.

Addressing media at White Lotus hotel, he said, “Over Rs 2 crore grants have been released for construction of community hall of backward classes. Rs 1.17 crore of funds have been sanctioned for repair and rejuvenation of churches which includes Rs 10 lac for Mount Rosario Church Santhekatte, Kallianpur, Rs 30 lac for Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Rs 30 lac for Christ Church Shivalli, Rs 25 lac for Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Rs 22 lac for Sacred Heart Church, Kolalagiri, and Rs 30 lac for Our Lady of Fatima Church Shivalli village.

“Rs 7 crore have been sanctioned for Apendix E (PWD), Rs 6 crore for Manipal-Shimbra-Kolalagiri connecting roads. Out of them, Rs 3 crore for compensation and Rs 3 crore for approach roads. Over Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned for Brahmavar-Ashraya-Heroor road development and for asphalting.

“Rs 6.50 crore of funds have been sanctioned under Namma Grama Namma Raste project, Rs 4.475 crore under State Land Transport Fund, and Rs 2 crore for 4,702 major construction works and 4,711 flood controlling works. It includes dam for Kalsanka drainage and construction of protection wall.

“Rs 9.60 crore of funds have been sanctioned for construction of Fishing Jetty at Padukere lake of Udyavar under NABARD-RIDF-23.

“Not much funds are released from the union government. We have decided to start a medical college in Brahmavar. Along with that, a government hospital will also come up in Udupi,” he said.

Regarding cut off in Kerosene quota by Central government, he said “I am demanding to form a separate scheme for supplying kerosene for fishing. If promised funds are released immediately to the concerned department, it would be good.

“The centre has strictly ordered to stop supplying kerosene to traditional boats in the country. It has decided to make zero usage of kerosene in the country. That is why they have started to supply domestic gas connection in the country. This has made it difficult to supply kerosene to Food Corporation. But I have urged the state government to find out an alternative way for that. U T Khader also said that subsidy fund has been released. CM Siddaramaiah has agreed to follow technical procedures to buy kerosene from open market. There is shortage of kerosene in open market. Hence, I insisted the fishing department to continue the old system till May this year.

“We have decided to deal in kerosene like other crude oils in the coastal district in association with a private cooperative society. But it needs time to adjust to the system. The state government has set aside Rs 66 crore subsidy for kerosene. It costs about Rs 52 per liter and the subsidy amount will be Rs 22. The state government has already credited subsidy rate to respective bank accounts of fishermen. Till then, I request them to carry forward the old system.

“The vision 2025 was planned during the tenure of UPA government. We have made a list of construction of new bridges. All bridges will be completed soon. The state and central government should work together for the fulfillment vision 2025. We are yet to receive the promised funds from the central government,” he said.

Regarding water supply, he said, “Now there are issues of water problems in the district. But if cases of water shortage erupt, rationing may be necessary. Last year, we faced water problems till June. As per the current report, 1.2 cm water level is present in the dam. I have directed the council to take immediate steps to tackle water shortage. We are all set to supply tank water, if only necessary. There is no financial shortage in the council,” said Madhwaraj.

CMC commissioner Manjunathayya, council president Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, vice-president Sandhya Thilakraj and other council members were present.