The Dharwad district administration is set to file a formal complaint with the State government against L&T, a private company, for its persistent “deficiency in service.” The complaint centers around L&T’s failure to complete crucial drinking water projects in Hubballi, Dharwad, and their surrounding rural areas within the agreed-upon timelines.
District in-charge Minister Santosh Lad made this announcement during a recent meeting with officials in Dharwad. He expressed deep dissatisfaction, stating, “The company, tasked with implementing drinking water projects both in rural areas and within the district’s municipal limits, has consistently failed to complete its work on schedule. This has caused immense inconvenience to the public and considerable frustration for the State government.”
Despite numerous warnings and the imposition of penalties for delays, L&T’s performance has not shown any improvement. “A comprehensive report will be submitted to the State government through the Deputy Commissioner, recommending legal action against L&T,” the Minister affirmed. A high-level meeting involving L&T officials and senior government secretaries is scheduled within 15 days to determine the next steps.
Beyond the water project issue, Minister Lad also addressed other critical development areas:
Agriculture Sector
- He urged Agriculture Department officials to ensure that government schemes genuinely benefit farmers.
- He mandated that details of crop loss compensation be displayed prominently at Raitha Samparka Kendras and gram panchayats, and that clear explanations be provided to farmers who haven’t received their due.
- The Minister also requested a proposal to include arecanut under the crop insurance scheme, acknowledging its growing popularity as an alternative crop in Kalghatgi, Dharwad, and Hubballi regions.
- Officials were instructed to visit fields, promote modern farming techniques, and encourage the use of agricultural equipment.
- Furthermore, clear displays of seed and fertilizer stocks and sales are required at Raitha Samparka Kendras, ensuring fair distribution and encouraging the construction of farm ponds.
- He specifically tasked the Deputy Director of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) to investigate the recent decline in onion prices.
Education Sector
- Lad directed the Education Department to identify and close down schools with zero enrollment and consistently poor results, after due notice.
- The staff from these non-performing schools should be transferred to government schools facing manpower shortages to prevent the misuse of public funds.
- He also called for an investigation into the decreasing student admissions in government colleges and a report on the matter.
- Emphasizing basic facilities, he promised that arrangements would be made for adequate and functional toilets and classrooms in all schools if informed of any deficiencies.
Rural Employment (MGNREGA)
- The Minister stressed the proper implementation of the MGNREGA scheme.
- He urged departments like Agriculture, Panchayat Raj, Horticulture, Forest, and Sericulture to collaborate on creating employment opportunities.
- He also called for efforts to encourage registered individuals who are currently not participating in MGNREGA work to join, ensuring physical targets are met within stipulated times.
Local MLAs also voiced their concerns during the meeting:
- MLA N.H. Konaraddi highlighted extensive crop damage to maize, sorghum, and groundnut due to this year’s heavy and continuous rainfall. He also pointed out the unscientific overuse of urea and other chemical fertilizers by farmers to protect crops, suggesting a need for increased awareness.
- MLA Mahesh Tenginakai criticized the Tanda Development Corporation for failing to deliver benefits to beneficiaries on time. He also demanded immediate action on the delayed distribution of shoes and socks to students, despite funds being released, calling out officials for neglecting their duties.
- MLA M.R. Patil reiterated the severe damage to maize, soya, and horticultural crops like arecanut caused by heavy rains and strong winds. He called upon departmental officials to promptly visit affected fields, assess the damage, and submit a report to the government, stressing the importance of active field presence and proper guidance for farmers.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. and other key officials.