Puttur MLA Highlights Massive Development Funding from Congress Government
In Mangaluru, Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai from Puttur has made a bold statement about development funds. While BJP legislators across Karnataka have been complaining about delays in funding, Rai proudly declared that the Siddaramaiah-led government has sanctioned a total of Rs 2,259 crore for his constituency since taking office.
Detailed Breakdown of Sanctioned Amounts
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Rai provided a clear breakdown of the sanctioned funds. The government approved Rs 1,479 crore in the financial year 2023-24. For 2024-25, the sanctioned amount stands at Rs 529 crore. Looking ahead to 2025-26, Rs 251 crore has already been approved.
Development works worth Rs 300 crore are currently underway across the constituency. Rai emphasized the progress being made on the ground.
Major Projects and Future Expectations
The MLA highlighted several key infrastructure projects. The government sanctioned Rs 10 crore for a four-lane concrete road from Kabaka to Vitla. Another Rs 6 crore was allocated for upgrading the PWD road from Bettampady to Panaje. A significant Rs 12 crore will convert the Puttur-Uppinangady road into a four-lane concrete route.
Rai released a detailed list of ongoing and proposed development projects in Puttur during the press conference.
Medical College and Additional Funding
An exciting development is the proposed government medical college in Puttur. Rai said Rs 450 crore is expected to be sanctioned for a 400-bed hospital as part of this project. Once the detailed project report receives approval from the finance department, the total sanctioned funds for his constituency could reach Rs 2,709 crore.
This would represent a substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure for the region.
Tender Process and Community Allocations
The tender process for 629 projects worth Rs 50 crore has been completed this year. Work orders have been issued to five contractors, with 13% of the funds already released to begin implementation.
Rai noted that the government has earmarked Rs 8 crore for development works in Hindu temples within his constituency. He stated this amount surpasses allocations made by previous governments. Additionally, Rs 9 crore has been allocated for minority communities.
Equal Distribution of Funds
The MLA asserted that the Congress-led government does not discriminate in fund allocation. He revealed that the government has reserved Rs 50 crore for each of the state's 224 MLAs. This ensures equitable distribution of development resources across Karnataka.
Rai's announcement comes at a time when development funding has become a contentious political issue in the state.
