Udupi: CM Siddaramaiah expressed deep concern over the underwhelming performance of the Education and Health Departments in the Udupi District and issued a strong warning to the concerned department heads, indicating possible suspension if improvements are not seen.
Following a comprehensive progress review meeting in Udupi on August 1, the CM drew attention to the disheartening decline in the District’s education index. Back when the Congress was in power, Udupi consistently held the top position in the education index (SSLC results) in 2014, 2017, and 2018, and secured the second spot in 2015 and 2016. However, over the years, the District’s performance witnessed a significant deterioration, plummeting to seventh place in 2020, 16th place in 2022, and 13th place in the current year. Similarly, the health index also suffered a notable setback, dropping from the first position in 2015 to a disappointing 19th place this year.
Moreover, CM Siddaramaiah expressed grave concern about maternal and child mortality rates. The District witnessed a distressing surge in maternity deaths, rising from 14 in 2015-16 to a troubling 126 in 2021-22. However, there was some improvement as the numbers decreased to 53 during 2022-23. Similarly, child deaths increased from 51 in 2015-16 to 166 in 2022-23. CM expressed dismay over the performance disparity between the current government and the previous one.
Udupi, renowned for its progress, finds itself in an alarming situation, according to the CM. Firmly directing the District Health Officer (DHO) and District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), CM Siddaramaiah urged them to take significant steps to enhance the performance of their departments. The CM cautioned that failure to do so might lead to their suspension. Additionally, CM Siddaramaiah issued directives to the Public Works Department (PWD) officials to adopt suitable measures for better road maintenance, reducing accidents in the District.
With regard to the recent rain-related damage in the area, CM Siddaramaiah brought attention to the substantial rainfall deficit of 53 per cent in June. However, July witnessed an excess of 25 per cent rainfall. To extend support to the affected farmers, the CM promptly instructed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Agriculture Department heads to provide seeds and fertilisers, enabling them to replant or opt for alternative crops.
During a visit to the Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Post Matric Girls Hostel in Bannanje, CM Siddaramaiah, accompanied by District In-Charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, personally interacted with the students. Assuring them of prompt resolutions, the CM pledged to address any issues prevailing in the hostel. The students raised concerns about the delayed delivery of promised laptops for their second-year degree course. CM Siddaramaiah assured them that he would personally investigate the matter and find a speedy resolution.