The Hindu

• Raghupati Bhat says Cabinet approval has been obtained for the purpose 

Udupi, Dec 2: MLA K. Raghupati Bhat on Monday criticised president of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat Raju Poojary and president of district unit of the Janata Dal (Secular) Deviprasad Shetty for not supporting the move for the creation of a separate District Central Cooperative (DCC) Bank for Udupi district.

It may be recalled that Udupi district was carved out of the Dakshina Kannada district in 1997. The South Canara District Central Cooperative (SCDCC) Bank has its jurisdiction over both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Addresing presspersons here, Mr. Bhat said that all the regulatory hurdles for the creation of a separate DCC Bank for Udupi district had been cleared. Even the State Cabinet had given its nod for it. A nod by the Board of Directors of the existing SCDCC Bank was also required.

But at the special general body meeting called by the SCDCC Bank in Mangalore on Monday, Mr. Raju Poojary, Mr. Deviprasad Shetty and president of Udupi District Cooperatives Union Kishan Hegde Kolkebail had opposed the move.

“Mr. Raju Poojary should get a resolution passed in the Udupi Zilla Panchayat demanding a separate DCC Bank or resign from his post. The Congress to which Mr. Poojary belongs and the Janata Dal (Secular) should make their stand over the DCC bank public”, he said.

Mr. Bhat criticised the Centre for not releasing funds for the repair work of National Highway 17 in Udupi district. The State Government had released funds, which the Centre will reimburse, for filling potholes on the NH 17, he said.