Mysore/Mysuru: Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, who also holds the Backward Classes Welfare Department portfolio, has directed officers not to delay the implementation of works.

During a meeting with officers of the Backward Classes Welfare Department at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium here on Monday, he emphasised the need to expedite the process of implementing schemes.

Specifically, he stressed that the consent of respective MLAs must be obtained for the list of beneficiaries under the self-employment and Ganga Kalyana Scheme. This step is crucial to ensure that funds are sanctioned by the end of December and that schemes are implemented within the same year.

He warned of strict action against officers if any middlemen are found involved in schemes such as borewell and direct loan schemes under Ganga Kalyana.

Secretary of the Backward Classes Welfare Department, Tulasi Maddineni, explained that the process of submitting applications has been simplified this year, with an integrated system in place to track progress in each Corporation.

To effectively disseminate information about departmental schemes, the Government plans to publish advertisements in media and use large hoardings at district and taluk centres. A decision on this matter will be made within the week.

District Officer of the Backward Classes Welfare Department in Chamarajanagar discussed the increased demand for post-matric hostels in the district. Although there are 31 hostels in the district, with 26 operating from their own buildings and five in rented buildings, some challenges exist. 

Minister Tangadagi expressed disappointment at the low progress rate in drilling borewells during the current year, with only 12 percent progress in loan repayments.

He assured that measures would be taken to fill all vacant posts in the Backward Classes Welfare Department soon.