Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Dec 8: “The coming together of panchayat raj of two districts and local administration representatives and holding sports and cultural competitions is perhaps a first in the country. Such occasions of coming together across party lines should happen often. I will draw the attention of the government to increase the honorarium of panchayat representatives and issue bus passes to them,” said Udupi district-in-charge minister Dr Jayamala.

She was speaking after inaugurating ‘Holapu – 2018’, a sports festival and cultural competition of Dakshina Kannada district panchayat raj, town and district administration held at Kota Vivek High school premises.

Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Mahamandala president Dr M N Rajendra Kumar hoisted the flag. MLA Umanath Kotian handed over the sports lantern.

Kotatattu gram panchayat president Raghu Tingalaya chaired the programme.

Holapu 2018 convener Kota Srinivas Poojary said that he has been presenting the demands to the government urging that panchayat should be strengthened, the present honorarium of Rs 1000 should be increased to Rs 3000 and free passes should be issued. “Insurance up to Rs five lacs should be provided. This should be a platform for participation of panchayat representatives,” he said.

Honorary president C Kunder welcomed the gathering. Teacher Sathish Chitrapadi compered the programme. Narendra Kumar Kota proposed vote of thanks.

Vaddarse gram panchayat won first prize in march past. Kuthyar and Kota received second and third prizes. Nitte grama panchayat, Maravanthe, Yadpadi, contractors and grama panchayats were presented special prizes. Lucky panchayat representatives were selected.

Competitions in sports and culture were held in various places. More than 100 judges and more than 400 panchayats took part.