Mangaluru: The inauguration of the newly constructed Modern Bejai Market was organised by Mangalore City Corporation here, on November 21. The new market was inaugurated by district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai by cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque.
The formal programme began with the Nadageethe. Corporator Prakash Salian welcomed the guests and the gathering. The programme was then inaugurated by the district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai by lighting the traditional lamp, along with other dignitaries on the dais.
District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai speaking on the occasion said that from many years, the development work of Bejai market was going on and finally today, the inauguration of the market took place. “Mangaluru has created history and is in the forefront in many areas. In Mangaluru, basic facilities have increased and the Mangaluru City Corporation has taken all the measures to see it through. Mangaluru has been in the list of 100 smart cities and it should come in first list of 20 smart cities. For the development of MCC, many commissioners have worked hard. MLA J R Lobo and the then commissioner and present deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim have been working hard for the development of the district. If the officers work with dedication, we can develop the city. Officers should have the dedication and will to take up developmental projects in the district. Mangaluru is a fast developing city. Development work will be possible if all corporators work with dedication in their respective wards.” Rai congratulated all the corporators, the Mayor and the residents of Bejai for the inauguration of Bejai market.
Sorake congratulated the corporators and members of the MCC for giving the people of Bejai a new market. He also briefed on the various projects that were being undertaken throughout the district under various schemes like AMRUT, ADB, UD etc. In view of the second phase of the smart city mission, Sorake said that among the six cities of Karnataka that made it in the 100 smart cities list, due to its immense potential, Mangaluru tops the list in Karnataka for the next phase. Forming ward committees and citizens’ forums would increase the communication between representatives and the public, he said, adding that he would present the proposal, that had been put forward for an increase in the salaries of corporators, to the Chief Minister.
Speaking on the occasion MLC Ivan D’Souza expressed his happiness over the inauguration of the new market as this market was a long standing demand of the people since almost 10 years, and also said that the standards of this market was on par with international standards.
Addressing the gathering, MLA J R Lobo said that the old market at Bejai had many problems – it was right on the road, next to a school and was a breeding ground for diseases like malaria due to the unhygienic conditions, affecting the people living in the area. “It badly required an upgrade to solve all these problems and that is why we thought of removing the entire old structure completely and building a new market in its place. This new market has been built not just for the needs of today but also for many years to come, and is equipped with the most modern designs to accommodate for future needs,” said Lobo.
MLA J R Lobo and Corporators Lancelot Pinto and Prakash Salian were felicitated on the occasion for their hard work in making the vision of the new market, a reality.
Mayor Jacintha Alfred, deputy mayor Purushotham Chitrapur, MCC joint commissioner Gokuldas Naik, MCC opposition leader Sudhir Shetty, Youth Congress leader Mithun Rai, Ashith Pereira, Ibrahim Kodijal, Suresh Ballal, Vinayraj, Ashok D K, Praveen Alva and others were present on the occasion.
