Bhatkal: A one-day workshop on Municipal Administration and Local Governance was organized on Monday by the Political Panel of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, Bhatkal, at Ameena Palace. The event saw enthusiastic participation from youth across different localities of Bhatkal, as well as from neighboring areas, along with men and women councillors, panchayat members, and social activists.
The chief guest and keynote speaker, Mr. Abrar Ahmed, Councillor, City Municipal Council, Chamarajanagar, Bengaluru, was specially invited to provide insights on municipal administration and governance. In his address, he highlighted both the responsibilities of councillors and panchayat members and the broader role of administration. He noted that Karnataka’s municipal laws, framed after independence, have strengthened the local governance system. He further pointed out that the upcoming national census would lead to the upgradation of several Gram Panchayats and Municipal Councils, reflecting growth and administrative needs. He urged citizens to actively participate in local elections and civic responsibilities to ensure better governance.
Mr. Ahmed also stressed the importance of learning the Kannada language, emphasizing that it is the medium of all administrative work across Karnataka. “The youth of Bhatkal must take interest in learning Kannada so that they can play an effective role in municipal and panchayat affairs,” he said. Offering advice to elected representatives, he remarked, “A male councillor should act like a father to all people in his ward, while a female councillor should serve like a mother, addressing community problems as if they were her own household issues.”
Advocate Syed Imran Lanka, Convener of Tanzeem’s Political Panel and Vice President of Jali Pattan Panchayat, spoke on various local administrative issues.
The workshop also featured an interactive session with youth and social workers, during which discussions were held on improving civic amenities, ensuring accountability of representatives, and encouraging youth involvement in social and political activities.
The program began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Maulavi Mohammed Hussain Jukaku. A welcome address was delivered by Tanzeem General Secretary, Abdur Raqeeb MJ Nadvi, while the session was presided over by Tanzeem President, Inayatullah Shahbandri.
Among the dignitaries present were Mr. Muhiddin Altaf Kharuri, In-charge President of Bhatkal Town Municipality; Maulana Wasiullah DF Nadvi, President of Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation; along with several other prominent figures.