Mangalore, October 1: K T Shailaja Bhat, the outgoing President of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat said that she has not set her eyes on an MLA ticket and maintained that she will continue working as a member of the Zilla Panchayat.
Speaking to mediapersons at a press meet at the ZP office in Mangalore on Monday, Ms. Bhat denied that she is eyeing an MLA ticket. “I have no interest in contesting elections for an MLA post. Whatever steps I have taken so far in my career, I have done so as per the directions of elders and senior party leaders. I will continue to serve as a member of the Zilla Panchayat”, she said.
The outgoing President read out a list of achievements of the Zilla Panchayat during her tenure which began in February 2011. Projects under various departments worth Rs. 465 crore have been undertaken, she said. Acknowledging the cooperation extended by several NGOs in partnering the Panchayat in carrying out developmental activities, Ms. Bhat said that it was only due to a combined effort of various people that the Panchayat bagged awards and laurels at national level. The DK Zilla Panchayat has elevated from 21st position to 7th position, she said, expressing hope that it would soon become the numero uno Panchayat in the state.
Aid for Endosulfan victims
On a query as to why the Panchayat lagged behind in addressing the problems of Endosaulfan victims in the district, Dr. K N Vijayprakash, CEO, DK ZP, said that plans of providing aid to these victims are in the pipeline. “According to our estimation there are about 1,300 Endosulfan victims in our district. A survey would be conducted this month after which as per a compensation proposal based on the Kerala model, the government may grant compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for victims who have been affected cent per cent by endosulfan and Rs. 3 lakh each for persons who have less than cent per cent impact. A suugestion to have permanent residential facilities for them have also been placed before the government. The government is also considering tie-ups with various hospitals to provide free treatment for them”, he said.
On a query on whether the Panchayat will consider banning Endosulfan on the lines of banning plastic in the district, Ms. Bhat said that the Panchayat is thinking of promoting organic farming to tackle the problem of ill-effects of chemicals.
Package for Malekudiyas
On the occasion, Mr. Vikayprakash revealed that the government has sanctioned a package of Rs. 95 lakhs for the overall development of the Malekudiya tribe in the district. “We had sent a proposal of Rs. 213 lakhs out of which Rs. 95 lakhs have been sanctioned. Following more justifications of the amount for the projects, the Directorate of Tribal Welfare has agreed to release funds accordingly”, Mr. Vijayprakash disclosed.
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