Solve people's problems; negligence will not be tolerated: Min Hebbalkar tells officials

Manipal: District In-charge Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has called for immediate action in light of looming drought concerns due to a 22 percent rainfall deficit int he district.

Addressing officials at the quarterly review meeting of development activities at DC’s office complex here, Hebbalkar stressed the pivotal role of local authorities in resolving pressing issues.

“Officials must be centrally positioned to address people’s grievances,” Hebbalkar emphasized. She further warned against negligence, stating that it tarnishes the government’s image and will not be tolerated.

Expressing dissatisfaction with pending projects, the Minister urged swift coordination with concerned departments for their timely completion.

Regarding drought management, Hebbalkar directed immediate precautionary measures to ensure adequate drinking water for both people and livestock during the impending summer. She emphasized the completion of pending drinking water projects as a priority.

Additionally, Hebbalkar highlighted the need for efficient government correspondence, stating, “A government letter is not a love letter,” urging effective communication within the district administration.

MLAs from the district V Sunil Kumar, Yashpal A Suvarna, Gururaj Gantihole, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, and Gurme Suresh Shetty, Legislative Council Member Manjunath Bhandari, Deputy Commissioner Dr K Vidyakumari, ZP CEO Prasanna H, District Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K, ADC Mamata Devi GS, DFO Ganapati, among others were present.

During the meeting, a heated argument ensued between MLA Sunil Kumar and the Superintendent of Police over actions taken during a lorry strike.

Hebbalkar also called for the extension of the Gruha Lakshmi Yojana to marginalized tribes, emphasizing the inclusion of every eligible family in the scheme.