Dharwad to complain to State govt. against L&T’s deficiency in service

The district administration will file a deficiency in service report to the State government against L&T, a private company responsible for implementing drinking water projects in Hubballi and Dharwad and nearby rural areas.

District in-charge Minister Santosh Lad announced this during a meeting of officials in Dharwad on Monday.

“The company is in charge of implementing drinking water projects in rural areas and within the municipal limits of the district. But the company has failed to complete the works within the stipulated time. This has caused inconvenience to the public and dissatisfaction to the State government. Despite repeated advice and warnings, the company has not improved. Hence, a report will be submitted to the State government through the Deputy Commissioner recommending legal action against L&T,” the Minister said.

He was speaking after presiding over a Karnataka Development Programme progress review meeting at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium there.

The Minister said that several meetings have been held and instructions issued to ensure the timely completion of drinking water works.

Despite penalties imposed for delays, L&T’s performance has not improved. “A report will be sent to the State government seeking legal action. A meeting between L&T officials and senior government secretaries will be held within 15 days to decide the next course of action,” he said.

He told officers of the Agriculture Department to ensure that government schemes are implemented in ways that benefit farmers.

“Details of compensation paid for crop loss should be displayed on notice boards at Raitha Samparka Kendras and gram panchayats. Farmers who have not received compensation must be given proper explanation,” he said.

He asked Agriculture Department officers to submit a proposal to bring arecanut under the crop insurance scheme.

“Farmers in Kalghatgi, Dharwad and Hubballi regions are increasingly cultivating arecanut as an alternative crop. Officials must visit fields to take necessary action,” the Minister said.

He instructed officers to encourage farmers to adopt modern technologies and use agricultural equipment.

“Details of seed and fertiliser stocks and sales must be displayed at Raitha Samparka Kendras. These inputs should be distributed fairly among farmers and they should be encouraged to construct farm ponds,” he said.

He also directed the Deputy Director of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) to conduct a proper study and report why onion prices have fallen this year compared to last year.

He asked the Education Department to close down schools that have zero enrolment and zero results, after issuing notices as per norms.

“The staff of such schools must be immediately transferred to government schools where manpower is required. This will help prevent misuse of government funds,” he said.

He also asked education officials to investigate the decline in student admissions in government colleges and submit a report.

He added that every school must have adequate and functional toilets and classrooms. “If information about schools lacking proper toilets is submitted, necessary arrangements will be made,” he promised.

The Minister further instructed officials to ensure the proper implementation of the MGNREGA scheme.

“Departments such as Agriculture, Panchayat Raj, Horticulture, Forest and Sericulture must work in coordination to create employment opportunities. Those registered under MGNREGA but not attending work must be encouraged to participate. Physical targets under the scheme must be achieved within the stipulated time,” he said.

MLA N.H. Konaraddi said that excessive and continuous rainfall this year has damaged crops such as maize, sorghum and groundnut.

“Due to heavy rain, farmers have used large quantities of urea and other chemical fertilizers to protect crops. Awareness must be created among farmers about the unscientific use of such fertilizers,” he suggested.

MLA Mahesh Tenginakai said that the Tanda Development Corporation has failed to provide benefits to beneficiaries within the time limit and officials must act immediately.

“Even though schools have reopened, shoes and socks have not yet been distributed among students despite funds being released. Officers are neglecting their duties — distribution must be done immediately,” he demanded.

MLA M.R. Patil said that crops such as maize, soya and horticultural crops like arecanut have been damaged due to heavy rain and strong winds.

“Departmental officials should visit fields, assess damage and submit a report to the government. Officers must stay active in the fields and guide farmers properly,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. and other officers were present.