“The division of Belgaum district is inevitable, but we must wait for it to happen,” said Public Works and district in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi in Belgaum on Thursday.
“Belgaum is the second-largest district in the state, and there has been a long-standing demand to divide it into two or three smaller districts for administrative efficiency. This move will benefit the people, but we must wait for the State government’s decision,” he explained.
Jarkiholi also addressed the delay in some road projects, citing issues with land acquisition and the lack of available land in forest areas. He noted that some projects were sanctioned 12 years ago and emphasized the need for their prompt completion.
Regarding his meeting with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Jarkiholi clarified that the discussion focused on older schemes and not new projects.
He dismissed rumors that the hospital project in Belgaum was being delayed due to pressure from the private hospital lobby. “Last month, I held meetings with health and medical education ministers and officials,” he said, adding that another government cancer hospital would soon be established in Belgaum.
“A super-speciality hospital in Belgaum will commence operations shortly. The building is ready, but doctors and staff still need to be appointed. The Finance Department has approved hiring staff on an outsourcing basis, so there will be no further delays,” he assured.
Jarkiholi confirmed that there are no plans to cancel or reduce any guarantee schemes. “The party leadership inquired about public opinion on these schemes, and we conveyed the people’s sentiments. However, some media outlets have not reported accurately. Let me reiterate: the guarantee schemes will not be discontinued,” he emphasized.
He also mentioned that the State government would commemorate the centenary of the 1924 Belgaum session, with additional funds to be released if necessary. Efforts will be made to complete the Gangadhar Rao Deshpande Memorial soon.
“The State government is considering a proposal to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Kittur. MLAs have submitted their suggestions, and the Chief Minister is reviewing them,” Jarkiholi said.
Lastly, he denied allegations that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Irrigation portfolio, is intentionally delaying funds for the Ghatti Basavanna Lift Irrigation Project due to political differences with Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi.
He also informed that most of the land for the Hubballi-Kittur-Belgaum railway line has been acquired, with only about 10 km still pending. “This issue will be resolved soon,” the Minister concluded.
