Large public turn out in Udupi, to protest at ’Jana Spandana’

Large public turn out in Udupi, to protest at ’Jana Spandana’

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 27, 2016: It is reported that members of the public gathered in large numbers to express their anguish, helplessness and grievances at the Jana Spandana programme held for the first time under the leadership of the district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

Responding to a query on the 9/11 complications, the minister said a meeting was held in the district, wherein 10 changes were recommended for simplification of the procedures affecting the coastal districts. The four changes recommended exclusively come under Urban Development Department catering to the needs of town planning, while the six others come under rural development. The rural development and panchayat raj minister would hold a meeting in another four to five days and the changes would be considered for a permanent solution, he added.

Responding to other allegations over the tax collected from the sand mining is not given to the gram panchayats, he said he has spoken to the Director of Mines and Geology Department and the funds collected are submitted to the Finance Department.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said the proposal to release the funds to the respective gram panchayats has been sent to the Finance Department three times. The collected amount has been deposited and the district administration has no powers to release 30 percent of the tax amount collected, he added.

The minister also assured the participants that he would look into the revision of the payment, wherein the beneficiaries under the 94C and 94CC would pay a prescribed minimum amount. As many as 300 applications have been submitted in the district, he added.

ESCROW amount : Responding to a query on ESCROW amount to be deposited to the bank from the funds released under 14th Finance Commission, the minister added that he has spoken to the concerned authorities. Henceforth, the ZP CEO and PDOs would be authorised to draw the amount which is deducted for the electricity payment. He said the banks would be directed to cooperate in this regard.

Krishna Hebbar from Udupi demanded relaxation of toll gate collection as the amount would be a huge burden. He alleged that Rs 160 is collected from the vehicles to travel from Kundapur to Mangaluru.   Francis said the amount has been fixed based on the project design and viability. It is not possible to negotiate with NHAI officials.