Mahadevappa seeks project proposals for inclusion in Budget

Ahead of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Mysuru on January 13 and a proposed review meeting with district officials to assess development works and discuss Budget proposals, in-charge Minister of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa on January 12 instructed officials to prepare proposals for public-centric development projects and submit them to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He said that clearly articulating the importance of projects will help secure their inclusion in the State Budget, thereby accelerating the district’s development.

The Minister was speaking after reviewing inputs from officials at a district-level officers’ meeting held at the D. Devaraj Urs Hall of the Zilla Panchayat here.

Dr. Mahadevappa directed officials to submit details of new hostels required under the Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Departments, along with details on the need for existing hostels, which are currently in rented buildings, to be housed in permanent buildings. “We want to ensure hostel facilities for all eligible students who apply,” he said.

The meeting also discussed recruitment issues, as the majority of staff in residential (ashram) schools are currently working on an outsourced basis. The need to establish skill-based training centres for residents of tribal hamlets (haadis) in H.D. Kote, Periyapatna, and Hunsur taluks was also discussed.

Pointing out that only 390 KSRTC buses have been operating in Mysuru for the past 15 years despite a significant increase in population, the Minister said the city needs additional buses and depots, and asked officials to submit proposals in this regard.

Emphasising that students from minority communities should not be deprived of education, Dr. Mahadevappa instructed officials to prepare proposals on the requirement of residential schools, coaching facilities for competitive examinations, and other welfare schemes for minority students.

While some issues discussed at the meeting could be addressed within the purview of the respective departmental Ministers, proposals that need budgetary support will be brought to the attention of the Chief Minister, he added.

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy directed officials to submit a consolidated report on projects required in the district to his office at the earliest.

Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Sheikh Tanveer Asif said discussions were held on improving solid waste management, strengthening the underground drainage system, developing public swimming pools, and increasing pedestrian pathways on city roads.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S. Yukesh Kumar, Mysuru Development Authority Commissioner Rakshith, and other senior officials were present.