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Udupi: Minister for Women and Child Development and Udupi district in charge Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Saturday announced that the Shirva Gram Panchayat would soon be upgraded into a town panchayat, given its growing infrastructure and population. She made the announcement while laying foundation stones for a series of development works and distributing government facilities within the Kapu Assembly constituency limits at Shirva and Udyavara. Plans to upgrade Shirva to town panchayat Hebbalkar said Shirva had all the characteristics of a developing urban centre and deserved recognition as a town panchayat. “If elections to the taluk and zilla panchayats are not conducted by December, immediate steps will be taken to upgrade Shirva Gram Panchayat,” she said, assuring residents that the proposal would move forward without delay. The minister said the area had seen rapid growth in recent years with improved connectivity, commercial activity, and civic development. Upgrading Shirva would help streamline urban planning and strengthen local governance, she added. Development focus on Kapu constituency Hebbalkar, accompanied by Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring comprehensive development in the constituency through the release of additional funds. “The constituency will witness large-scale development in the coming months, as adequate funds have been sanctioned for infrastructure and welfare projects,” she said. She also appreciated the contribution of former Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, who had secured ₹10 crore from the Chief Minister earlier for various developmental initiatives. “We are now taking steps to release an additional ₹26 crore. Mr. Sorake has shown a commendable commitment towards the constituency,” she added. Hebbalkar emphasised that development should rise above politics, noting that both Mr. Sorake and the sitting MLA Mr. Shetty share a common vision for the region’s growth. “There should be no politics when it comes to development. Together, we will ensure Kapu sees overall progress,” she said. Launch of SHG products and welfare outreach During the event, the minister launched products made by Sanjeevini Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), encouraging women to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship. “The Siddaramaiah government has been committed to women’s empowerment through initiatives such as the Gruha Lakshmi scheme,” Hebbalkar said. She added that the 24th instalment of the Gruha Lakshmi purse had already been credited to beneficiaries, reflecting the government’s steady implementation of welfare programmes for women and families across Karnataka. The launch showcased locally made products from SHG groups, with the minister assuring them of support for marketing and scaling up their ventures. “Empowered women contribute directly to the economic growth of their families and communities,” she said. Officials and leaders join foundation ceremonies The event was attended by several key officials and leaders, including Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, Shirva Panchayat President Savitha Rajesh, and Kurkalu Panchayat President Prashanth A. Poojary, among others. Both MLA Suresh Shetty and former Minister Sorake reiterated their commitment to accelerating development works in the region. They expressed gratitude to the district minister for her proactive role in facilitating funding and administrative support for the constituency. With plans to upgrade Shirva Gram Panchayat into a town panchayat and the release of additional development funds, the Kapu constituency is set to witness a phase of accelerated progress. The minister’s emphasis on non-partisan cooperation and women’s empowerment underscores the government’s inclusive approach to local development.
