Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna distributed Aadhaar cards to more than 20 members of the Yarava community residing on the fringes of the Makutta forest reserve in Kodagu district, enabling them to access government welfare schemes.
The residents, who had previously lacked essential documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and caste and income certificates, were unable to avail themselves of government benefits. Upon the matter being brought to his notice, Ponnanna instructed concerned officials to take immediate action.
He stated that Aadhaar cards have been issued in the first phase and directed officials to ensure distribution of ration cards within a month. He also instructed them to register eligible beneficiaries under the Griha Lakshmi scheme and submit a compliance report.
Seventeen families reside in the settlement. The MLA further directed officials to construct toilets for every household and asked revenue officials to remain vigilant to ensure that residents do not face administrative difficulties.
During the visit, Pattada Ranji Poonachcha, Panchayat Sangathan member Thennira Maina, Hanif Chokanda, Akram Sakram Samiti president R.K. Salam, along with Gram Panchayat member Amman Kuttanda Katti, Pattada Rakshit, Varghese, Kolumanda Rafiq, Shabir, Joakim, Bopanna, Manjunath, Chubba, Safwan, Fakru, officials from the Revenue and Women and Child Welfare departments, and local residents were present.
