Speaker UT Khader highlights budget allocations for Dakshina Kannada

Speaker UT Khader highlights budget allocations for Dakshina Kannada

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 15, 2025: Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader highlighted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently allocated substantial funds for various projects in Dakshina Kannada during the state budget presentation.

"I have also proposed several initiatives for my constituency, including a Women’s PU College. A fully equipped residential college will be established in Ullal, which will later be upgraded to a degree college. Additionally, Rs 200 crore has been sanctioned for combating sea erosion along the coastal belt," Khader stated.

He further outlined several major infrastructure projects in the pipeline, including the construction of two bridges across the Netravati River and hospital upgrades worth Rs 650 crore, including improvements to Wenlock Hospital. Plans also include a new medical college in Puttur and enhancements to the 100-bed Taluk Hospital. Other key initiatives involve the development of a water metro, an international cruise terminal, a coastal berth, and the creation of 5 lakh jobs.

Additional projects include plug-and-play facilities in Mangaluru under KEONICS, a residential PU College for minority girls in Ullal, Rs 3 crore for upgrading the district stadium, support for Kambala sport, a drinking water project in Ullal, Rs 2 crore for the Bharat Scouts and Guides International Training Centre, and Rs 62 crore for combating arecanut disease and protecting arecanut farming.

When questioned about the Wakf Amendment Bill, Khader stated, "If something contradicts the constitution, it is wrong. Concerns have been raised, particularly by members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, calling it biased."

Regarding recent arrests by the CCB, which involved the seizure of a revolver and other illegal activities in the Mangaluru constituency, Khader emphasized the need for stricter law enforcement. "Since we share a border with Kerala, and Talapady is just one of many entry points, there are nearly 20 other internal routes into the district. I have consistently advocated for check posts at all border entry points. The police must take stricter action, and political representatives, including myself, should not interfere with law enforcement. While the police have arrested those in possession of firearms, investigations should extend to suppliers, middlemen, and other key players," he said.

Addressing controversial remarks by a BJP MLA regarding the Diganth case and statements made by Chakravarty Sulibele, Khader noted, "When such premature comments were made, the locals in Farangipete paid little attention. They stood by Diganth’s family, regardless of religion or caste. Our priority should be fostering peace and harmony. When we take the first step toward unity, others will follow. Social media often amplifies such remarks, giving them undue attention. If we had ignored them, they wouldn’t have gained attention."