Karnataka   

Jaffarwadi shows the way

Contributing their mite: The main road in Jaffarwadi village which was improved with the voluntary service rendered by the residents.

Jaffarwadi (Belgaum District): In an example of expression of faith in “shramdaan” (voluntary labour) to ensure better infrastructure and expeditious development, residents of this village have decided to put in free labour for the implementation of development schemes.

The developments in Jaffarwadi, about 8 km from Belgaum city, under Kadoli Gram Panchayat limits of Bagewadi Assembly segment in Belgaum taluk, also point out at how constructive politics by elected representatives can make a difference at the grass root levels. Bagewadi MLA Abhaykumar Patil is not only instrumental but also lending is his leadership in changing the face of the village.

He requested the residents to put in “shramdaan” and that he would get sanctioned various development schemesfrom the government. His request was readily accepted by the residents, who promised to that every one of them would work free for the schemes for the development of the village.

Mr. Patil got sanctioned works pertaining to road development, drinking water supply and classrooms for the Marathi medium primary school from the zilla panchayat. A plan has also been drawn for beautification of the water tank to attract holiday revellers from Belgaum and nearby places.

Though the works were formally inaugurated on Republic Day, the actual works could start only in March. The three major roads of Basvana Galli, Shivaji Galli and the stretch of the main road from Belgaum to Kadoli were full of pot holes. Several pleas were made to taluk and zilla panchayat members and authorities in the past but nothing concrete was forthcoming, said a resident.

“With Mr. Patil taking an initiative, matters started moving and you can see the changes,” said Megharaj Shivaji Katamble, president of School Development and Management Committee, Jaffarwadi. Mr. Patil, who is pre-occupied with the political developments over possibilities for formation BJP-led coalition government in Bangalore, was not available for comment.

Mr. Katamble said the three roads of Basvana Galli, Shivaji Galli and Main road had been metalled and now it facilitates smoother movement of vehicles. Two class rooms have been constructed for the school. Also, the work on providing water connections to every household was nearing completion, even as construction work for the overhead tank was yet to commence. Once the overhead tank is constructed, every resident will get clean drinking water.

“Our’s is a small village and have no major demands. We have realised that development would remain only dream unless we ourselves take the first step. Implementation of development works has been a major problem rather than getting them sanctioned from the government. Therefore, with ‘shramdaan,’ we are able to save government’s money, provide quality work and complete them expeditiously,” he said.

The residents are playing a catalytic role in their own way to change the face of their village. The members of Karnataka State Third Finance Commission were impressed with the ongoing changes in Jaffarwadi and visited the village for ascertaining them personally a couple of weeks ago.

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