Udupi: The Janamana programme organised by the district administration and the district Information Department was a unique occasion for the beneficiaries of various state government sponsored programmes to share their experiences.

District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said the state government is always concerned about the underprivileged and downtrodden. “People who criticise government schemes should talk to the beneficiaries to understand the impact of these schemes in their lives. Service to the poor is nothing but service to the Lord. Every government officer and the people’s representatives should be available for service of the poor and downtrodden,” he maintained.

The minister also directed the officials concerned to train the PDOs in the gram panchayats about various programmes. He cited the example of the housing schemes, where the beneficiary is to receive Rs 1.20 lakh, an additional Rs 20,000 under the MGNREGS, and Rs 12,000 for the construction of the toilets. He assured supply of kerosene to freshmen.

Lalitha Prabhu of Parkala, a beneficiary of the Annabhagya scheme, said that she has benefited by the ration offered under the scheme. She works as a housemaid and is unable to manage the expenses. The recent coupon system to procure the ration proves helpful, as she gets 30 kg of rice every month. Sathish Thekkatte of Kundapur said that he could save money for his sister’s education due to the system.

Vijaya Gangolli of Kundapur who is the beneficiary of Krishi Bhagya lauded the state government programmes to benefit farmers. The farm tools are offered at subsided rates.

Chinmayee, of Government PU College, Brahmavara, said Ksheerabhagya has helped many students from rural and poor background to procure calcium, as most of the children’s parents are daily wage workers. She also appreciated the move to give shoes and midday meals to government schoolchildren. Chinmayee is also happy the bicycle she received while studying in eighth standard as she had to travel 12.5 kilometres to school. Bhagyashree of Padubidri said it would be more helpful if the milk is offered six days of the week.

Ksheeradhare beneficiary Saroja of Siriyara said that she has two cattle and received Rs 1.20 lakh under the scheme. Earlier, she was a daily wage worker, but now, is content with the income she receives by selling milk.

There was a demand to hike the amount offered under Manasvini programme. DC T Venkatesh, ZP CEO Priyanka Mary Francis, Additional DC Anuradha, CMC president Meenakshi Madhava, TP president Nalini Pradeep Rao and District Information Officer Rohini K among others were present.