Title deeds distributed in Byndoor

Udupi: The Congress-led state govt is working with dedication by formulating programmes that focus on the welfare of common citizens, said women and child development minister and Udupi district minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. She was speaking at a programme organised in Byndoor assembly constituency to distribute title deeds under 94C to eligible beneficiaries and provide various govt benefits. She assured complete support for the district's development and called for collective efforts to develop the constituency.

The minister praised the cooperation between former MLA Gopal Poojary and current MLA Gururaj Gantihole, stating that both are working together for the development of the constituency without political bias. "This is the kind of commitment politicians should have," she said.

"Udupi is a district of intellectuals. Officials often hesitate before taking up postings here. I feel blessed to be given charge of Udupi district. It is as if Lord Krishna has showered his blessings on me," she said.

Referring to the Indira Canteen, she said it was launched with the aim of providing nutritious food at affordable prices to the poor. Inaugurating the canteen, she said, "The govt is ensuring that people can fill their stomachs with just Rs 5 for breakfast and Rs 10 for lunch."

She recalled that during Siddaramaiah's previous tenure, the govt implemented schemes like regularising unauthorised land and launching people-centric programmes. "We made the most of the opportunities we got. Politics is not a shortcut; serving people is akin to serving God. We are setting aside personal agendas to fulfil our responsibilities as public representatives," she said.

Marking 50 years since the launch of anganwadi centres, which were started by Indira Gandhi, she announced a large-scale celebration to be held on October 2.

Meanwhile, after inaugurating the canteen, the minister noticed students standing in line to greet her while she was leaving. She stepped out of her vehicle, invited them into the canteen, and instructed the staff to serve them food. When some students approached her for a selfie, she gently led them by the hand into the canteen and insisted they eat first.

MLA Gururaj Shetty Gantihole, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, former MLA Gopal Poojary, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee chairman Ashok Kodavoor and deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK were present.