Patriotic Spirit marks Independence Day Celebrations in Udupi District
Udupi: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated in patriotic spirit with pomp at the Mahatma Gandhi District Ground, here on Firday, August 15.
Women and Child Development Minister and Udupi district in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar hoisted the flag and received the guard of honor.
In her message the minister said, “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the brave soldiers of our country’s three armed forces who successfully carried out Operation Sindhoor against Pakistan to curb terrorist activities that took place in Kashmir.” She also conveyed greetings to the police and security personnel across the country who remain vigilant.
In the financial year 2024-25, our state has emerged as the state with the highest per capita income in the country. The state government has demonstrated its efficiency in financial management with a focus on promoting economic growth. The fact that Karnataka stands second in the country in GST collection is clear evidence of the state’s robust economy.
The Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj has released a study report on decentralization in all the states of the country, in which Karnataka ranks first in the index list.
Only when we encourage industry and trade can new employment opportunities be created. Accordingly, necessary infrastructure creation, policy formulation, and investor conferences have been undertaken.
Our state has already been a leader in science, technology research, IT/BT, and startups, and our government has been successful in expanding this leadership further. We have implemented several industry-friendly schemes that even the rest of the country is now following.
All necessary legal measures are being taken to curb the challenge of Naxalism in the state.
The land records in Karnataka were complicated for decades and people had to run to the taluk offices to clear the documents. To avoid complications, all the records are being digitized and secured.
The implementation and continuation of the Five Guarantee schemes (Panch Guarantees) announced during the election campaign have received appreciation from experts both within the country and abroad for our government’s performance.
Because of these Five Guarantee schemes, hardships of the people of the state have reduced and have become a protection enabling them to lead a life of dignity. Every citizen can live with self-respect in society without having to beg anyone for their basic needs — these schemes provide that support.
Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which provides direct cash transfer for poverty eradication, Rs 47,400 crore has been deposited so far into the accounts of 1.23 crore beneficiaries across the state. In this district alone, Rs 870.83 crore has been provided to 2,25,131 beneficiaries.
By establishing Akka Cooperative Societies, the Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries are being made members of these cooperatives.
The operation of Akka Cafés under Indira Canteen and in the premises of district and taluk offices has been launched experimentally in 10 cities through self-help groups.
Special task forces have been formed in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Shivamogga districts to control communal violence.
A proposal has been submitted to the government to upgrade the Udupi City Municipal Council to a City Corporation, which is under review.
This year, due to rainfall that was 30% higher than normal, there has been loss of life, damage to houses, and other damages in the district. So far, compensation of Rs 1.14 crore has been paid.
Measures have been taken to provide compensation for crop loss of 31.63 hectares due to early monsoon rain. Steps have been taken to carry out works worth Rs 30 crore for building permanent retaining walls to prevent landslides.
Various development projects are being undertaken like:
· Rs 85 crore for the Maravanthe expansion works in Byndoor,
· Rs180.84 crore for the Hejamadi Kodi fishing harbour development,
· Rs 78.28 crore for construction of a Coastal Berth at Hangarakatte,
· Rs 95.88 crore for construction of a Coastal Berth at Gangolli,
· Rs 22.18 crore for the upgradation of Gangolli fish harbour.
Also, to prevent severe sea erosion in various areas, the construction of 10 retaining walls worth Rs 4.50 crore is in progress.
In the fisheries sector, 9,328 mechanized traditional country boats, motorized boats, and small boats engaged in fishing were supplied with 91,954 kilolitres of tax-relief diesel last year. For 5,066 traditional fishermen, 636.36 kilolitres of kerosene was provided at subsidized rates.
Overall, our government has taken bold steps in the comprehensive development of Karnataka. It is the responsibility of us elected representatives and officials to convey this to the people.
Mahatma Gandhi had said that in a democracy, as I envision, even the weakest in society should have the same opportunities as the strongest. The minister said, “This is also the aspiration of our government.”
A cultural program presented by school students showcased various dance performances that evoked patriotism and drew attention. On this occasion, the district administration honoured the family members who donated organs. Along with the awards, the Minority Welfare Department presented the ‘Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Pratibha Puraskar’ to minority students, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens distributed the benefits.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, District Commissioner Swaroopa TK, CEO of Zilla Panchayat Prateek Bayal, SP Hariram Shanker and others were present.