Bantwal: In a strongly worded statement at the first quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting for 2025–26, Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik criticised police authorities for imposing sudden restrictions on religious celebrations. He warned that such measures could damage public sentiment and negatively affect tourism and the local economy.

Police restrictions spark concern

Naik expressed discontent over police intervention during Vinayaka Chaturthi festivities, emphasising that abrupt enforcement of internal directives had led to confusion among organisers.

“Police have the authority to permit sound systems till midnight under the Pollution Control Act. However, new internal directives have resulted in officers abruptly halting events, causing confusion and hurting public sentiment,” Naik said.

He further urged authorities to issue advance notifications regarding any new regulations and called for dialogue-based handling of violations rather than sudden shutdowns.

Other key discussions at KDP meeting

Deputy tahsildar Narendra Nath Mittur reported that 54 cases under Sections 94C and 146 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act remain unresolved in Bantwal. Naik stated he had delegated powers regarding illegal constructions to the Deputy Commissioner and had raised the issue in the state assembly.

Nominated member Mohammed Nandavar raised concerns over delays in issuing property rights certificates, prompting Naik to instruct officials to expedite processing.

Mittur also disclosed that 36,796 beneficiaries receive pensions in Bantwal taluk, but renewal procedures risk excluding differently-abled and severely ill recipients. Nandavar recommended that village accountants visit vulnerable groups to ensure they are not left out.

Education, infrastructure and health concerns

Education officer Manjunath confirmed that proposals to repair government schools damaged by recent rains have been submitted. Additionally, 253 guest teachers for primary schools and 81 for secondary schools have been appointed.

In healthcare, Naik proposed converting Panjem Magesh Rayar’s residence, adjacent to Bantwal Government Hospital, into a dialysis centre. He urged authorities to recruit an anaesthetist and gynaecologist promptly.

Waste management and land issues

Concerns were raised about setting up a solid waste management unit on a school playground in Kaval Moodur Grama Panchayat. Executive officer Sachin Kumar assured that only dry waste collection would be allowed and promised a review.

The revenue department reported that 504.83 acres of land are earmarked for public purposes. Meanwhile, a debate arose over the ‘9/11’ land record dispute, with EO Kumar stating that the Gram Panchayat Secretary must resolve it without requiring special orders.

Financial dues and transport updates

Ravindra Kambli, president of SKADS Cooperative Society, pointed out that ₹80 lakh remains unpaid under the ration subsidy scheme for Dakshina Kannada, while Udupi’s dues have been cleared. Naik promised to escalate the issue to the Food and Civil Supplies Minister.

KSRTC officials assured that drivers and conductors have been appointed and that new bus routes, including one to Kadeshwalya, will begin soon.

Symbolic protest and beneficiary support

In a symbolic act of dissent against new loudspeaker volume restrictions, Naik refrained from using a microphone throughout the meeting.

Before the session began, he distributed tailoring machines, water beds, hearing aids, and walking sticks to differently-abled beneficiaries.

Conclusion

The meeting, attended by executive officer Sachin Kumar, administrative officer Manjunath, taluk panchayat president Jayanthi Poojary, nominated members and departmental officials, highlighted a range of civic issues. Naik’s sharp remarks underscored the need for balancing cultural traditions with administrative directives to ensure harmony and economic growth.