Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Directs Crackdown on Ashraya Yojana Site Encroachments in Dakshina Kannada
In a decisive move to address irregularities in housing schemes, Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has issued strict directives to officials concerning the Ashraya Yojana layout at Jodusthana under Dharmasthala gram panchayat in Belthangady taluk. The minister, chairing a tri-monthly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Mangaluru on Saturday, ordered that notices be served to all individuals who were allotted sites under the Ashraya Yojana in this area.
Survey Ordered to Assess Government Land Encroachments
Minister Rao emphasized the urgency of the situation by instructing officials to conduct a comprehensive survey to evaluate encroachments on government land. He stressed that immediate action must be taken to clear these encroachments, ensuring that public resources are protected and utilized appropriately. This directive comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of allocated sites and unauthorized occupation.
During the KDP meeting, Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja highlighted a persistent issue regarding the encroachment of a public concrete road leading to the layout. Poonja noted that despite raising this matter in previous KDP meetings, the problem remains unresolved, underscoring the need for swift administrative intervention.
Irregularities in Site Allotments and Title Deeds
Officials provided detailed information on the current status of the Jodusthana layout. They reported that while 25 sites were originally created under the Ashraya Yojana, only 15 title deeds were issued in 2016. Investigations revealed that several title deed holders are residing on sites that were not officially allotted to them, and many other sites have been encroached upon by unauthorized individuals.
In response, Minister Rao directed officials to submit an immediate report on these encroachments. He also tasked Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV with resolving the issue at the earliest, ensuring that legal and administrative measures are implemented to restore order and compliance with housing scheme regulations.
Updates on Ayush Department Medicine Procurement Case
The KDP meeting also addressed other district concerns, including a case related to expired medicines allegedly procured by the Ayush department last year. MLC Dr. Dhananjay Sarji sought updates on this matter, prompting a response from District Health Officer Dr. Thimmaiah HR. Dr. Thimmaiah clarified that no expired medicines were procured; however, the department failed to follow proper procedures while sourcing medicines from other districts.
As the health minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao noted that the concerned Ayush officer has already been transferred from the district, indicating administrative action to address procedural lapses and maintain accountability in healthcare procurement.
Expansion of Hostel Facilities for Students
In discussions on educational infrastructure, MLC Ivan D'Souza raised queries about hostel facilities. Backward Classes Welfare Department District Officer Bindiya Nayak provided insights, stating that the government has announced 50 new hostels across eight districts in the 2026 budget. Accordingly, Dakshina Kannada district is expected to receive five additional hostels to cater to the growing needs of students.
Nayak further revealed that nearly 600 applicants could not be accommodated in hostels due to space constraints, highlighting the critical demand for expanded facilities. In the 2025-26 academic year, 355 students were assisted under the Vidya Siri scheme, demonstrating ongoing efforts to support educational access despite limitations.
Addressing Water Shortage Issues in Rural Areas
Water scarcity concerns were also brought to the forefront during the meeting. KDP member Melwyn D'Souza raised the issue of water shortage in Bondantila village, prompting suggestions from MLC Kishore Kumar to dig borewells in rural areas to alleviate the problem.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari provided an update on water-related initiatives, noting that 96 works have been approved through the district-level task force. Of these, 50 projects are currently under progress, aiming to improve water supply and infrastructure across the region.
The KDP meeting underscored a multifaceted approach to governance, with Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasizing transparency, accountability, and timely action in addressing both housing irregularities and broader developmental challenges in Dakshina Kannada district.
