Karnataka - Bellary

Officials pulled up for `laxity'

Staff Correspondent

Home Minister issues directive to initiate action against the erring

BELLARY: Home Minister M.P. Prakash, who is also Minister in-charge of the district, has pulled up officials of the departments of health, forest, education, and GESCOM for "laxity."

Presiding over the quarterly meeting held here on Mondayt o review the progress of the Karnataka Development Programme being implemented in the district, Mr. Prakash said that the achievement of several departments was miserably low.

Mr. Prakash issued a warning to officials who had not submitted reports and instructed the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer to initiate action against erring officials.

`Energise borewells'

Expressing dissatisfaction over the progress achieved by GESCOM, he instructed the officials to take immediate steps to energise the borewells dug under various schemes including Ganga Kalyan.

Mr. Prakash said that he was not impressed by the progress of the Health department.

The incidence of contagious disease including HIV/AIDS was high in the district, he said.

Public awareness

Mr. Prakash wanted the District Health Officer to create awareness among the people and the elected representatives about health and also the various programmes of the Government.

Mr. Prakash criticised the functioning of the Forest department, especially with regard to the depletion of forest area and the expenditure incurred under various schemes. "If this trend continues, there will be no trees in the district," he said, adding that the officials should work sincerely.

Bhagirathi Marulasiddanagowda and K.S.L.Swamy, legislators; Durgamma and K.A. Ramalingappa, zilla panchayat president and vice-president respectively; Rudragowda and Rafique, Chairmen of Standing Committees; T.M. Chandrashekaraiah, president of Cooperative Bank and former MLA; were among those who participated in the discussion.

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