Udupi District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad announced on November 1 that a crucial meeting will convene in Bengaluru on November 3 to finalize decisions regarding the long-delayed Udupi District Hospital. The minister made the statement to reporters in Ajjarkad, following the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at the district stadium.
The newly constructed hospital building, despite completion over a year ago, remains unopened, sparking controversy. Further concerns have arisen regarding the alleged transfer of old equipment to the facility. Minister Arshad confirmed that all stakeholders would participate in the upcoming meeting. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's time has been requested, and the District Commissioner, public representatives, and high-ranking department officials are expected to attend. Arshad noted that as the Health Minister hails from the coastal region, he is "aware of the problem."
Addressing other local issues, Minister Arshad clarified the cancellation of the Udupi district-level Rajyotsava Award this year, an honour previously bestowed for 25 years. He explained that only a few districts currently grant such awards, necessitating a uniform policy across the state. The Kannada and Culture Department is actively discussing new criteria and plans to form a committee this year to ensure awards maintain their dignity, free from political or external pressures. Responding to queries about the withdrawn award for senior doctor Dr. Chandrashekhar, Arshad stated he was unaware of the specifics until arriving in Udupi and would discuss the matter with Minister Tangadagi.
On the recent hike in Nandini milk prices, Arshad defended the decision, citing the government's responsibility to support farmers' livelihoods. He highlighted that milk prices in Karnataka remain lower compared to neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The price adjustment was crucial, he added, to prevent farmers from selling their produce outside the state due to inadequate local prices, which could lead to a milk shortage within Karnataka.
Briefly touching upon other topics, Arshad denied any statement by the Chief Minister about the state's treasury being empty and declined to comment further. He also underscored the importance of an impartial Election Commission for a healthy democracy, commenting on the INDIA alliance protest in New Delhi, and reiterated concerns about the alleged removal of 99 lakh voters in the state through the SIR process. Finally, he clarified his earlier remarks about film actors being communal, stating they referred specifically to Bollywood actors, not Kannada actors from Karnataka.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi