Udupi : Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said, the government is committed to ensuring financial security to farmers and their livelihood and in the process has taken up measures to brighten the future of the farmers.

Speaking at the 60th Rajyotsava celebrations after unfurling the national flag at Mahatma Gandhi memorial College grounds, he said the government is dedicated to ensure better facilities for farmers in the State. Kandaya Adalath is set up, wherein as many as 22,078 applications are disposed of in 385 sittings.

“People belonging to Koraga community have been ensured with smart cards which would enable them to avail the benefits of the government schemes and projects and help them join the mainstream of the society,” he stated.

“The govt has released Rs 10.32 cr for the plans to take up the rural road construction works. Under rural water distribution programme Rs 22.43 cr works have been taken up while as many 94,002 students are given free textbooks for the year 2015-16 and Rs 5.59 cr is released under Rastriya Madhyamika Education scheme. Girls studying in class nine are also given karate training,” he added.

“A total of Rs 3.65 crore is released under Swacch Bharath Abhiyaan and 12157 toilets are built. Over 409 houses are built under Indira Awaz Yojana and the target for the year 2015-16 is 1,754 houses, of which 1,222 beneficiaries are selected and the target under Basava Vasati Yojane is 3,485 houses, of which 2017 beneficiaries are considered,” he claimed.

He said under Gram Vikas Yojane as many 25 villages are selected which will receive Rs 75 lakh each. With a view to ensure drinking water to the housing colonies, the government has released funds for 2,936 construction works. Under ‘Namma Grama Namma Raste’ programme, 102 kilometers length road is built at a cost of Rs 93 crore in 38 villages.

“Grants of Rs 12.50 crore is released for the forthcoming Paryaya celebrations in Udupi town and the preparations are underway. The fishermen who lost their lives during fishing have been compensated. A grant of Rs 36.70 crore is released to build 37 vented dams and Rs 23.05 crore is allotted under National Cyclone Disaster Management programme to construct 38.40 kilometers length fisheries connective stretches and Rs 12.95 cr and four crore have been released for the construction of three bridges and two cyclone shelters in the district, respectively, he stated.

The entire district wore a festive look with the red and yellow flags hoisted at different places across the district.

A total of 13 teams from across the district including the District Armed Reserve Police took part in the march past. The cultural programmes presented on the occasion, exhibited culture and tradition of the State.