Hundreds of people participated and more than 50 petitions were submitted
Hundreds of people participated in a public relations meeting held in Karike village of Bhagamandalahobli in Madikeri taluk under the chairmanship of A.S. Ponnanna, the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and MLA from the Virajpet Assembly Constituency. More than 50 petitions were submitted during the meeting.
The meeting, held at the VSSN hall in Karike village, saw locals queue up to present various issues including land repair, RTC correction, road construction, bus facilities, installation of power transformers and repair of power lines, efforts to improve facilities in primary and secondary schools, increased student enrollment, and the appointment of teachers.
Speaking on the occasion, A.S. Ponnanna said it is the responsibility of officials to listen to the grievances of Karike villagers who live far from the taluk and hobli centers. He urged officials to respond effectively to the issues raised.
He acknowledged the shortage of staff in various departments but insisted that available officials must work with commitment. He noted that over 25 applications had been submitted for land repair. Addressing problems related to the Forest and Revenue Departments, including land and RTC repairs, would help farmers significantly.
He also directed the Forest Department to take the lead in controlling wild animal menace and to adopt precautionary measures. People should be kept informed about animal activity to reduce anxiety, he said, adding that regular contact with the public would resolve many issues.
Expressing displeasure, Ponnanna said that when villagers apply for certificates related to land, RTC, agriculture, caste, income, and other government facilities, they must be issued without delay. He questioned how villagers, who travel 10 to 20 kilometers to apply, could be asked to return the next day.
The Tahsildar and the T.P.E. were instructed to resolve complaints received during the meeting and submit a quick report. He stressed that ambitious government programs must reach rural areas and empower people economically.
He also said that he would take up the issue of providing BPL cards to the poor at the government level and discuss it with the Chief Minister. He instructed officials to respond to demands including KSRTC bus facilities and the construction of power converters, and directed that officials from relevant departments be called upon to resolve such issues immediately.
Karike Gram Panchayat President Balachandra Nair, Vice President Kalpana Jagadish, Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee District President Dharmaja Uthappa, Akram Sakram Committee President Neravanda Umesh, locals Ramanath Bekal and Harish, Tahsildar Sridhar, T.P. Panchayat EO Shekhar, along with district and taluk officials were present.
