Panchayath development officers stage dharna against harassment

October 20, 2011

Udupi, October 20: Protesting against the torture and high handedness of representatives of the people, over 55 PDOs under the banner of Pachayath Development Officers' Welfare Association, Udupi district, staged a demonstration infront of the Zilla Panchayath Office, here on Wednesday.

Agitators submitted a memorandum, addressed to the Chief Minister, to the Zilla Panchayath CEO Prabhakar Sharma. In the memorandum they said in Udupi district too, PDOs of Hebri, Hejamady, Hirgana, Mundkur, Kokkarne, Badanidiyoor, Shirva, Hattiyangadi and Kadekar had been frequently tortured and all of them are women PDOs.Agitators submitted a memorandum, addressed to the Chief Minister, to the Zilla Panchayath CEO Prabhakar Sharma. In the memorandum they said in Udupi district too, PDOs of Hebri, Hejamady, Hirgana, Mundkur, Kokkarne, Badanidiyoor, Shirva, Hattiyangadi and Kadekar had been frequently tortured and all of them are women PDOs.

Suicide of Mandakini, a PDO working in Gulbarga district, yielding to torture from the persons ruling the grama panchayath and deadly attack on Mangala, a PDO serving in Bidar district, by members of the grama panchayath has been disheartening.Suicide of Mandakini, a PDO working in Gulbarga district, yielding to torture from the persons ruling the grama panchayath and deadly attack on Mangala, a PDO serving in Bidar district, by members of the grama panchayath has been disheartening.

ZP CEO Prabhakar Sharma, after receiving the memorandum said that they palnning to hold a training for PDOs and GP Presidents on handling the issues. He said, PDOs can share some of the crucial issues affecting the exercising op their duties. Some of the responsible Panchayath Presidents will also give their feedback in solving the frequent tussles.ZP CEO Prabhakar Sharma, after receiving the memorandum said that they palnning to hold a training for PDOs and GP Presidents on handling the issues. He said, PDOs can share some of the crucial issues affecting the exercising op their duties. Some of the responsible Panchayath Presidents will also give their feedback in solving the frequent tussles.

PDOs also appraised their problems to ZP Accounts Officer Pranesh Rao.PDOs also appraised their problems to ZP Accounts Officer Pranesh Rao.

President of the Association Harikrishna Shivathaya and others were present. President of the Association Harikrishna Shivathaya and others were present.

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International Airport in Udupi, Metro to Mangaluru…: Pontiffs present comprehensive Udupi development plan to PM

News Network

November 30,2025

Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district.

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

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