Govt. assures of completing pending work of new prison building in the next six months: Ivan D’Souza

Ivan D’Souza, MLC, said here on Thursday that Home Minister G. Parameshwara has assured the Legislative Council of completing the pending work of a new building of the Mangaluru District Prison in another six months and shift the inmates from the old to the new building.

Giving details about the questions he asked during the 156th session of Karnataka Legislative Council between August 11 and August 22, the MLC said that during the ‘Zero hour’ discussion, he had pointed out to problems faced by residents in the vicinity of the old prison building due to the installation of mobile jammers. Among those affected include the judicial officers operating from the District Court complex, who were facing issues in holding video conference between the court hall and the prison for production of undertrials lodged in the prison.

Mr. D’Souza said that Home Minister has taken the issue seriously and has directed a senior prison official to inspect the under construction building in Chelur and Kurnad villages of Bantwal Taluk at the earliest and ensure speedy completion of pending work.

The first phase, which amounted to ₹110 crore, has been completed. Of the ₹179 crore sought for the second phase of work, the Home Minister has asked the Public Works Department to release ₹80 crore.

Pointing to 7,015 pending applications of the landless people who have sought houses/flats in Dakshina Kannada, Mr. D’Souza said banks have not been granting loan to beneficiaries to pay their contribution, which was in addition to grants from the State and Central governments.

Of the beneficiaries for the 792 flats constructed in Idya and Surathkal in Mangaluru city, only 322 beneficiaries have come forward to pay their contribution, he said. “I have asked the Housing Minister to hold adalat by involving NABARD and District lead bank to ensure banks grant loans to beneficiaries,” he said.

Mr. D’Souza said no progress has so far been made on the National Highway Authority of India’s proposed 30.4-km-long Green Field Alignment road in Shiradi Ghat, which includes 3.8-km-long road through three tunnels.

MP for Dakshina Kannada Capt. Brijesh Chowta has to take up the issue with the Central government and get wildlife, forest, and environmental clearances at the earliest, he said.