Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new ‘PrajaSoudha’ Taluk Administration Building in Ponnampet at a cost of Rs. 8.60 crore.
The minister said that though 63 new taluks, including Ponnampet and Kushalnagar, were announced earlier, construction of administration buildings was initially approved in only 14. The present government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has now sanctioned the construction of PrajaSoudha buildings in 49 new taluks, with Rs. 8.60 crore allocated for each.
Byre Gowda said the PrajaSoudha will be a people’s administrative centre, symbolizing government service to citizens. The building will cover 17,000 sq. ft., with the ground and first floors constructed initially, expandable to four floors later.
He appreciated MLA A.S. Ponnanna’s continuous efforts in securing approval for the project and added that the government remains committed to both development and guarantee schemes.
Addressing land issues, the minister announced plans to form an expert committee to address C and D land compensation and said that an appeal would be filed before the Supreme Court. He also mentioned Rs. 60 crore worth of retaining wall and bridge projects to prevent landslides in Kodagu.
A.S. Ponnanna, in his address, said the government is fulfilling its election promises, emphasizing both development and financial discipline. He announced plans to upgrade Virajpet Taluk Hospital to a district hospital, upgrade Gonikoppa Hospital, build a community health centre in Hudikeri, and spend Rs. 130 crore on new electricity projects.
He further informed that title deeds will be distributed to 2,000 families from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes who currently do not own land.
Ponnanna added that PrajaSoudha should serve as a people’s centre for transparent and efficient governance. The event was attended by Karnataka Sports Authority Vice President C.S. Arun Machayya, Ponnampet Town Panchayat President Annir Harish, District Guarantee Schemes Committee Chairman Teethira Dharmaja Uthappa, ZP CEO Anand Prakash Meena, SP K. Ramarajan, ADC R. Aishwarya, AC Nitin Chakki, and other dignitaries.
