Bhatkal: The sixth district-level Janaspandana (public grievance redressal) programme was held on Saturday in Bhatkal, drawing significant public participation. A total of 111 applications were submitted by citizens, highlighting a range of issues. These included 29 grievances related to the Revenue Department and 20 to the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. The complaints largely pertained to land survey and property documents, housing demands, road infrastructure, street lighting, underground drainage systems, electricity supply, pensions, and admission to children’s residential schools.
Endosulfan Victims' Concerns:
Minister Vaidya addressed a major concern raised about the irregular supply of medicines to Endosulfan victims by private agencies. He clarified that the government had already conducted special medical camps and designated agencies to distribute medicines and food kits. He warned of strict action against agencies failing in their responsibilities and directed officials to ensure the regular disbursement of the ₹4,000 monthly honorarium to all registered victims.
Negligence at Bhatkal Government Hospital:
In response to complaints of negligence at Bhatkal Taluk Government Hospital, the Minister emphasized that doctors and staff must treat patients promptly and responsibly. He instructed the District Health and Family Welfare Officer to conduct an immediate review and take action. The Minister also warned that doctors should not prescribe medicines to be purchased from outside unless unavailable in the hospital, and in such cases, the hospital must procure and provide the required medicines.
To address the lack of audiologists in the district, the Minister instructed that specialist doctors from neighboring districts be made available for at least three days a week at the District Institute of Medical Sciences.
National Highway Delays and IRB Contractor Negligence:
Taking serious note of the delay in National Highway works, especially in Bhatkal, the Minister directed officials to file FIRs against negligent contractors, particularly IRB Infrastructure, for endangering public safety. MD Naik, Vice President of Marukeri Gram Panchayat, raised the issue of NH work being stalled for over ten years in Bhatkal, which he said was causing serious inconvenience as the monsoon season approached.
Other Public Grievances Addressed
- Construction Workers’ ID Cards: The Minister directed the Labour Inspector to verify and renew or reissue cancelled identity cards for eligible workers.
- Bus Halts at Honnavar and Manki: Addressing complaints about express buses not stopping at Manki, the Minister assured that instructions would be issued to the Divisional Controller of the Transport Department.
- Forest Encroachment Eviction: An elderly couple from Hitkuli village alleged eviction from their hut by forest officials. The Minister promised to arrange a house for them if land is available.
- Demand for Local Offices: Several citizens demanded the establishment of a Passport Seva Kendra and Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bhatkal. Minister Vaidya assured his support for the proposal.
- Unauthorized Stalls: The Minister directed officials to take action to remove unauthorized stalls, especially at Sagar Road Bunder Road and surrounding areas.
- Police Checkpost at Anantwadi: Due to public inconvenience caused by a police check-post located in front of a house in Anantwadi, the Minister directed its inspection and removal.
- Littering in Public Areas: The Minister emphasized that fines must be imposed on individuals found littering in public places, including along national highways.
Minister’s Stern Message to Officials:
Minister Vaidya expressed dissatisfaction with the lax attitude of some departments. He pointed out that many people had to visit offices repeatedly for simple issues and stressed that Janaspandana should not become a mere formality. He said, “This programme is not a formality. Government services must reach people’s doorsteps without middlemen. I represent even the most remote and underprivileged sections of this district, and I am committed to solving their issues.”
DC Highlights Achievements and Future Plans:
Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, in her inaugural address, mentioned that 941 applications from previous district-level Janaspandana events and 975 from taluk-level programmes had already been resolved. She announced that six new Indira Canteens would soon be launched in the district. Orders were also issued for appointing 34 civic workers, distributing ₹93 lakh worth of assistive devices to differently-abled individuals, and providing laptops to village administrative officers. Pension orders and financial aid were also distributed to fishermen and Endosulfan victims during the event.
District Planning Committee Chairman Satish Naik, Zilla Panchayat CEO Ishwar Kandu, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla, Additional Superintendent of Police Jagdish, Bhatkal In-charge Assistant Commissioner Kavya Rani, Bhatkal DySP Umesh, Bhatkal Tahsildar Nagendra Kolshetty, Bhatkal Municipality In-charge President Altaf Karuri, Jali Pattan Panchayat Vice-President Advocate Imran Lanka, and several senior officials were present.
For more photos, click below:
District-Level Janata Darshan held in Bhatkal to address public grievances
Bhatkal hosts Janata Darshan; Bikes, wheelchairs, and other aids handed over to public