BELGAUM: Social Welfare Minister Balchandra L. Jarkiholi held a meeting with government officials at the Deputy Commissioner's office here on Tuesday.

Mr. Jarkiholi, who arrived here for the first time after being sworn in Minister last week, convened the meeting to discuss development works in the district. Belgaum Zilla Panchayat President Fakeerappa D. Gorbal, Deputy Commissioner Shalini Rajneesh, zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer M.E. Shivalingmurthy and Superintendent of Police Hemant Nimbalkar were present.

Most officials who participated in the meeting were not prepared for it. Many departmental heads completed their presentations within a minute in which they listed the works their department has taken up.

The Minister, who was not convinced by the answers his questions received, gave a week's time to the officials and asked them to come prepared for the next meeting with details of all ongoing works, the problems involved in their execution and the reason for delay, if any.

He asked the Social Welfare Department to take steps to fill 56 posts under the backlog quota in the department at the earliest.

Development works

Speaking to presspersons, Mr. Jarkiholi promised to accord priority to development works in the district.

When his attention was drawn to the alleged irregularities in the distribution of compensation to flood victims and the status of the rehabilitation programme to be taken up in 47 villages in the district, he said Chief Minister H.D. Kumarswamy is also keen on knowing the details of relief works taken up in the flood-affected areas in the district. He said he has asked the Deputy Commissioner to submit a report about the steps taken in this regard. He said the Government has sanctioned Rs. 147 crores to provide compensation and take up relief works in flood-affected areas in the district.

When his attention was drawn to the alleged smuggling of a local herb, "Saptarangi," from the forests of Khanapur and the alleged inaction of the Forest Department officials in checking it, he said he will look into the issues in next week's review meeting.

He said the issue of forming new districts is not before the coalition Government at the moment. However, he said he will urge the Government to hold the Assembly session in Belgaum at least once in a year to address the problems faced by areas in the periphery of the State in general and north Karnataka in particular.

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