Mangaluru: The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Mangalore, on May 5, wrote Chief Secretary to Govt. of Karnataka, T . M. Vijay Bhaskar urging the state government to consider the erstwhile Dakshina Kannada district (now DK and Udupi) as one unit for the purpose of the movement of people.
“Even though the erstwhile Dakshina Kannada district was bifurcated in 1997 for administration purposes, the two districts are actually an urban agglomeration with most of the population residing in suburbs/towns. Office Staff, technical crew and labour of many industries reside in either district and commute daily for work within an efficient transport system,” the KCCI’s letter to the Chief Secretary read.
It added, “The present restriction on Inter-district movement in view of the Lockdown is hindering the kick starting of industries and commerce. Workers are deprived of their livelihood and Industry and business owners are finding it challenging to move forward. To add to this, the migrant labour is moving back to their native places further aggravating the situation. Many Industries and Commercial establishments have requested us to take up this matter with the Government.”
Pointing out that the Bangalore Rural, Bangalore Urban, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts are considered as a single unit as per the government’s order No. RD158/TNR 2020 dt 03/05/2020 (Clause 2(a)) the KCCI urged the government to consider the two districts as one geographical area for the movement of people and private vehicles.
“We earnestly request you to let Dakshina Kannada and Udupi function on the same lines. This would facilitate movement of people for employment and business in either districts of Dakshina Kannada & Udupi,” the letter added.
