Mangaluru : Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim has exhorted district-level officials to compare themselves with districts in Kerala, Punjab and Goa which have achieved better human development index (HDI).

He was speaking after releasing the district human development index prepared by the zilla panchayat in association with N.S. Shetty, honorary professor, Justice K.S. Hegde Institute of Management, Mangaluru and team, here on Thursday.

Though Dakshina Kannada was among the 15 districts which recorded high HDI indicators in the country, one should always strive to improve the performance.

“One cannot compare the district with the rest in Karnataka. It should be with other districts across the country,” he said.

While preparing the HDI, one should also focus on the influence of external money [being sent by non-resident Indians, particularly from the Gulf countries] in moulding the lifestyle in the district. One should also contemplate the eventuality when such external money stops flowing, he said.

At the same time, the law and order index should also be prepared, Mr. Ibrahim said.

District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai released the HDI for the district earlier. Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat president Asha Thimmappa Gowda, and chief executive officer P.I. Shreevidya were present.

As per the report, Mangaluru taluk stands first in overall HDI with 0.83 points while Belthangady taluk stands last. However, Belthangady taluk stands first in the health indicator followed by Mangaluru while Puttur stands last in the category. Mangaluru also tops in standard of living and education indicators. Belthangady stands last in education and standard of living indicators too.

The overall HDI for Dakshina Kannada stood at 0.687 points with 0.708 points in standard of living indicator, 0.567 points in health indicator and 0.809 points in education indicator.