MCC Distributes Various Schemes to 1250 Beneficiaries

Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) organised a programme to distribute various facilities to the disabled and needy under the 24.10%, 7.25% and 3% funds at the Town Hall here on March 7

Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred along with MLA JR Lobo, MLC Ivan, MLA Mohiuddin Bava and other dignitaries inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp.

Speaking on this occasion, Lobo said, “After renovation, the Town Hall has served its true purpose today as we have gathered here to help the needy. Under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the government has taken steps to identify and help the poor. Today’s programme is the best example of this, where the biggest part of the treasury is being used for the poor and disabled.” He urged the people to use the facilities wisely and asked them not to forget the leaders who were responsible for these facilities being given to them.

MLA Moihuddin Bava said, “We all leaders have fulfilled the obligation we have towards the poor. I thank all the leaders for making this day a reality. Though there are various problems, your elected representatives are taking steps to meet those issues. We are building concrete roads, providing drinking water facilities, building houses for the poor and under 94C we have given permanent settlement rights.”

MLC Ivan said, “The MCC leaders have settled the debt they were under after being elected but the people. The current State Government is pro-people. We identify the poor and give them various facilities like BPL cards, through which they can avail rice, wheat and oil free of cost. Before the congress government came into power, there were only 52000 BPL cards, whereas now the government has issued up to, 1.07 crore BPL cards. The opposition is accusing us of making the people lazy, but CM Siddaramaiah said that only those who are hungry know what hunger is. Today’s programme is not limited to just one party, but corporators of all parties have come forward.”

Commissioner of MCC, Dr HN Gopalkrishna said, “We aim to make the city a ‘kerosene free city,’ so if there is anyone who is still using kerosene then we request them to approach us. Steps are also being taking to make Mangaluru a ‘malaria free city’ and to stop open defecation, we are building public toilets.”

Former Mayor, Mahabala Marla said, “This year we have received more applications than the previous years. This is a good sign as we can make out that the efforts of MCC are indeed reaching the poor.”

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare, UT Khader said, “The work done today by the MCC is appreciated by the people as well as God. No matter what trouble we are in, if we face it with determination then we can overcome any obstacle. You might have born poor, but nobody can dictate that you should die as a poor person. Believe in yourself and let your children study, then your dreams will come true; the government is with you. We will soon launch a programme in the district Wenlock hospital called the early intervention, which will screen the disabled aged between 0-18 years and provide treatment through various schemes.”

He further said that though the poor have many things to worry about, they always knew how to smile and be happy whenever he visited them. “When I visit a 5 star hotel, everyone there seems to be in a lot of worry,” he added.

Around 1250 benefactors had attended the programme. The MCC distributed, gas stoves, rickshaws, medical equipment for the disabled, monetary relief for the poor and other facilities.