Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)

Udupi, Apr 10: The district administration is warning people to wear mask and follow social distancing in order to contain the spread of second wave of coronavirus. Many people and establishments are slapped with fine by the deputy commissioner and other concerned officials for the same. However, utter negligence of Covid protocol was seen in the taluk panchayat (TP) general meeting that was held on Friday April 10. Even the Executive officer (EO) was not wearing face mask and social distancing was not maintained.

When the media cameras were focused on the respective people representatives and officials, they were seen covering their faces with mask.

EO Mohanraj said, “Out of the 79 ponds in the taluk, it is decided to remove the silt from 22 under the NAREGA scheme.”

An officer of horticulture department said that Udupi Jasmine is recognized at state level for its quality. However, Shankarapura Jasmine is not known widely in the state. So if anyone cultivates Shankarapura Jasmine on five cents of land will be given Rs 6,000 financial aid from the government.

TP member Dhananjay Kumar complained that after the recent merger of nationalized banks, there is no staff in the banks who speak local languages. This has become extremely difficult for senior citizens to communicate.

Dhananjay also said that the police stop the vehicles carrying sand, asphalt and building materials. This has caused inconvenience to people who want to construct houses. Dhananjay requested taluk tahsildar Pradeep Kurdekar to inform the matter to the concerned department and resolve the issue.

EO Mohanraj informed that last year Rs 85 lac was released out of Rs one crore grant for activity projects by the 15th financial commission. Out of that Rs 60 lac is spent.

Tahsildar Pradeep Kurdekar said that there is no opportunity to grant BPL card. However, amendment can be made.

The meeting was presided over by Sandhya Kamath. Vice president Sharath Kumar Bailakere and president of social justice standing committee Shilpa R Kotian were present.