Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Chairs Key DISHA Meeting in Mysuru
Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy presided over the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Mysuru on Friday, issuing critical directives to expedite infrastructure projects and enhance public welfare initiatives. The meeting focused on resolving long-pending land acquisition disputes and ensuring the timely completion of key development works across the district.
Urgent Action on National Highway 275 Land Acquisition
Kumaraswamy emphasized the urgent need to resolve land acquisition disputes related to National Highway 275, warning that any delays could significantly slow down construction progress. He instructed officials to act swiftly to secure the remaining properties required for the project, ensuring that the highway development proceeds without further interruptions.
Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy provided a detailed progress report, stating that nearly 60% of the work on National Highway 275 has been completed. He confirmed that most of the land has already been handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). For the remaining disputed stretches, Reddy assured that clearance would be achieved with necessary police protection to facilitate uninterrupted construction.
In a related development, Reddy also informed the committee that the detailed project report (DPR) for the National Highway 266 diversion near Mysuru Airport is now ready, marking another step forward in the region's infrastructure enhancement.
100% Progress Mandate for Central Schemes
The Union Minister issued a strict directive that all centrally sponsored schemes must achieve 100% progress without any delays or irregularities. Kumaraswamy stressed that these schemes must reach their intended beneficiaries efficiently, ensuring that developmental benefits are fully realized at the grassroots level.
Banking Sector Reforms and Customer Service
Raising concerns over banking services, Kumaraswamy instructed the Lead Bank Manager to ensure courteous and respectful treatment of all customers. He specifically warned against the harassment of first-time loan applicants, criticizing the practice of using CIBIL scores as grounds to deny or delay loan approvals. The Minister emphasized the need for a more supportive approach to help new borrowers access financial services.
Survey of Homeless and Development Planning
Kumaraswamy directed officials to conduct a comprehensive survey of siteless and homeless persons in Mysuru district and submit a detailed report to the government. This initiative aims to address housing insecurity and provide targeted support to vulnerable populations.
Mysore MP Yaduveer Wadiyar contributed to the discussion by urging authorities to plan development initiatives with the city's long-term growth in mind. He suggested promoting alternative crops as a strategy to gradually reduce tobacco cultivation, fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Exceeding Targets in Rural Employment
Zilla Panchayat CEO S Ukesh Kumar reported that Mysuru district has exceeded its target under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The district achieved an impressive 102% progress, generating 1.78 million man-days of employment by March 2026, showcasing successful implementation of the rural job guarantee scheme.
The DISHA meeting was attended by several key officials and representatives, including Chamarajanagar MP Sunil Bose, Hunsur MLA G.D. Harish Gowda, Commissioner Chief Seema Latkar, and SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, highlighting the collaborative effort towards district development.
