Bhatkal: Public Facilities Top Agenda at KDP Review Meeting; Officials Warned Over Unspent Funds
Minister Mankal Vaidya directs departments to complete development works and fully utilise funds before March.
Bhatkal (Fikrokhabar News): Public amenities and ongoing development projects were the main focus of the quarterly review meeting of the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) held at the Taluk Panchayat Hall in Bhatkal.
The meeting was chaired by Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya, who sought progress reports from officials of various departments and reviewed the status of key projects.
Discussions began with drinking water availability and possible shortages during the upcoming summer season. The minister instructed officials to ensure there is no disruption in water supply. He said that if additional funds are required, proposals should be sent immediately for approval. He also stressed the importance of cleaning stormwater drains and completing all pre-monsoon preparedness works in advance.
Reviewing the education sector, the minister directed the Block Education Officer to ensure that all government schools and Anganwadi centres in the taluk have permanent buildings and basic facilities by the end of the next financial year. He assured that necessary funds would be provided to strengthen the educational infrastructure.
On transport facilities, the meeting highlighted the need to provide adequate bus services for students during examination periods. Taking note of disruptions on certain routes, the minister asked officials to explore the possibility of introducing new direct bus services. He also directed immediate repairs of damaged buses and the phased replacement of outdated vehicles.
In the health sector, the minister ordered that essential medicines must be readily available in the government hospital. He made it clear that patients should not be forced to purchase medicines from outside. In case of shortages, the administration was instructed to arrange immediate procurement.
During the concluding session, while reviewing development funds allocated for the financial year 2025–26, the minister directed that all sanctioned amounts must be fully utilised before the end of March. He warned that if any approved funds remain unspent and are returned, the concerned officials will be held accountable.
