Opposition Indulging in Propaganda, Cannot Digest Success of Indira Canteens – U T Khader
Mangaluru: “The opposition leaders unable to digest the success and popularity of Indira Canteens are indulging in spreading propaganda about the scheme. BJP MLA Ramdas has alleged that Rs 50 crores were paid as Kickback to a national party which is far from the truth. Instead of understanding the vision behind the scheme, BJP leaders are creating confusion among the people by spreading propaganda about the scheme. The BJP MLA should understand the facts before creating confusion among the people”, said the minister for Housing and Urban Development U T Khader in a press meet held at the Circuit House here on July 16.
Addressing the mediapersons U T Khader said, “Our intention is to keep the Canteen premises hygienic so that those who come to consume food get clean and hygienic food. Through the Indira Canteens, we are providing Breakfast, Lunch and dinner to those who are in need at a lower price. We are constructing 263 Indira Canteens in all the district and Taluk Headquarters in the state. 171 Canteens equipped with kitchens are built at a cost of Rs 90.63 crores (each Unit costs Rs 53 lakhs), 71 canteens without kitchens are built at a cost of Rs 20.23 crore (each unit Rs 28.50 lakhs) and 15 Independent canteens at built at a cost of Rs 9.15 crore (each unit costing Rs 61 lakhs). The total cost of the project is Rs 211.24 crore (Total civil cost Rs 120 crore, GST at 18% Rs 21 crore, Transportation Rs 25 crore and Equipment cost Rs 45 crore).
U T Khader further said, “Already 136 canteens have been completed and 72 canteens are running in the state, 37 canteens are under progress and the work for 78 canteens is yet to begin. Till May 2018 1 crore people have benefitted through the Indira canteens. The total cost of the project is Rs 211.24 crore. All the funds have been released of which Rs 113.78 crores have been spent. There are 198 wards in Bengaluru BBMP with a canteen for each ward. Out of the 198 canteens, 174 canteens are without kitchens, there are 24 mobile canteens and 21 independent kitchens. The total cost for civil work is Rs 77.14 crore.”
U T Khader also said, “In the Ullal Constituency two English Medium High schools from 6th 10 standard will be started at Farangipet and Kallapu. At present there is a is a Kannada medium school till 5th standard at Farangipet and in Kallapu there is an Urdu school. Students who want to join the English medium can take admission in this school free of cost. Education is free up to 10th standard in the Maulana Azad model English Medium School for minorities.”
Development of Mangaluru City
Minister Khader said, “On July 16, a review meeting will be held with the Highway engineers and PWD officials. All the highways connecting Mangaluru city should be developed. We need to make the highway connectivity at Mahakalipadpu, Jeppu Kudpadi, Gorigudda, Pumpwell and Nanthur with free traffic flow. The DULT company will prepare an action plan.”
Heavy vehicles restricted from using Shiradi Ghat road
“On July 15, the Shiradi Ghat road has been inaugurated but the movement of heavy vehicles have been restricted. Only two-wheelers, cars, tempo travellers are allowed until the construction of retaining wall is completed”, said Minister Khader.