Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 12: “Gram panchayat members should work hard to get majority seats in the upcoming zilla panchayat and taluk level elections. The victory in the elections will help in providing basic infrastructure facilities to the panchayat. I am confident that the upcoming local body elections will be won by majority seats," said state rural development and panchayat raj minister K S Eshwarappa.

He was speaking after inaugurating 'Janasevaka Samavesha' at Amrith Garden, near LVT Udupi here on Tuesday, January 12.

"Narendranath who was also known as Swami Vivekananda was known to be the protector of Indian culture. Likewise, in today's day and age Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to cultivate and preserve our rich culture. Let us work together towards the protection of religion (dharma) and the ensure that the plans by the Central government are executed effectively," the minister said.

"I know, if power is given into the hands of women, they would practice sound administration. Because they possess the ability to manage their household and work-life very well," he said.

"People are now under the impression that if one is contesting elections as a BJP candidate they will definitely register a win over the opposition," the minister added.

BJP’s national general secretary C T Ravi addressing the gathering said, "In a democratic system rights belong to a person from his birth. But I believe, it comes from the faith and love shown by people. Since many decades, dynasty politics was prevailing in India. But when Modi became the Prime Minister he turned the face of Indian politics by referring to himself as Pradhan Sevak. He is serving the nation like he would serve his beloved mother."

"In BJP, a party activist will get position or power through the loyalty he shows for the party and through his hard work," the minister said.

"Prime Minister Modi has never misused his political powers for personal gains. Similarly, gram panchayat members in their power should work for the development of schools in their respective panchayats through the utilisation of available resources and opportunities," Eshwarappa said to the elected members and urged them to 'do good things for the society.' 

Further, Eshwarappa urged everyone to stay vigil when cattle theft takes place.

Speaking on the occasion, fisheries minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said, "Gram panchayat members should be indulged in people-friendly administration. When BJP-government came into power in the Centre and the state it planned to sanction Rs 1 crore to every gram panchayat. The action plan for the same is being prepared."

"Problems persists in the rural areas, but in the case of Udupi, all areas are under the governance of BJP MLAs. There is a need to transform the respective gram panchayats for the better. Gram panchayat members should also make sure that they do not make false promises and work within the limits," he said.

"The centre is also planning to make arrangements to issue the birth, death, caste and income certificates in village panchayat. This is the best method to decentralize power. However, the work needs to be efficiently carried out," he added.

Kota also requested the rural development minister Eshwarappa to increase the remuneration of gram panchayat members from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2000.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje in her address said, "In the upcoming budget there will be provision made for the gram panchayat president, where the president will get a special privilege of attesting his signature on government cheque. If his signature is not present on the document, funds will not be released. This is a huge responsibility and should be handled with care."

"Women are in strong positions in Udupi and the primary aim should be to make the district Congress-free," she added.

Eranna Kadady, state president, Raitha Morcha and Aravind Nimbavali also spoke on the occasion.

Kuylady Suresh Nayak, district BJP president briefed the agenda of the programme.

N Ravi Kumar, state general secretary, Umanath Kotian, Moodbidri MLA, Uday Kumar Shetty, division in charge Mangaluru, K Raghupathi Bhat, Udupi MLA, Lalaji R Mendon, Kaup MLA, Sunil Kumar, MLA Karkala, Sukumar Shetty, MLA Byndoor, Kutyar Naveen Shetty, general secretary, Yashpal Suvarna, convenor, state Fishermen Prakoshta, Raghavendra Kini, president, Udupi Urban Development Authority, Dinakar Babu, president, zilla panchayat, Sheela K Shetty, vice president, zilla panchayat, ZP members Geethanjali Suvarna, Shilpa G Suvarna, Sumitha Naik, president, CMC, Gurme Suresh Shetty and others were present.