JAMMA LAND ROW SHOOTS UP AGAIN; GOVET ISSUES NEW CIRCULAR;

Madikeri march 31

The special ownership right over the jamma lands at Kodagu hangs in dilemma again as the revenue secretary has issued a new circular, axing the rights.

Revenue secretary G.S.narayanaswamy has issued a circular to all the Deputy commissioners in the state denying right by owners over lands coming under various tittles like Jamma, Kushki, Khane, Betta, Soppina Betta and termed them as belonging to Government. The lands allotted to individuals for non public use without the permission of the central government cannot be owned by them and they lose right to sell or cut the trees, he has clarified.

People of Kodagu are in for a rude shock now as the Chief Minister himself had taken the earlier, similar circular back and had assured that people can enjoy their right over the land.

The then secretary Jamdar had issued a similar circular during 2006 creating tension and confusion in Kodagu. A ‘Kodagu astitva horata samity’ involving all legislatures and party member was formed. Protests and meetings were held. Delegations met the then deputy chief minister B.S.Yediyurappa. He had promised that the first thing he will do if he becomes a chief minister was that he will take back the circular issued by Jamdar. He kept up his promise and people had heaved a sigh of relief. The present circular has now shattered peace and people are waiting for the governments move.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissoner Ashawathnarayana Gowda told this correspondent that he is recommending to the revenue department not to apply the rules to Kodagu as already the Chief Minister has reversed the earlier circular as a special case to Kodagu.

M.M.RAVINDRA AS BJP CHIEF

The much awaited nomination of district BJP president has taken place and Machimada M.Ravindra is appointed as the president, surprising a section of the local BJP leaders.

State president Eshwarappa has announced the name of Ravindra from Virajpet taluk He has served the party under various capacities. His appointment came as a jolt to Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, who was a strong aspirant for the post and enjoyed the support of the party MLAs. Ravindra is said to have used RSS link to clinch the post.

Talking to this correspondent, Ravindra said that his first priority would be to unite the party from grass root level. He also wishes to preserve the identity of Kodagu. He said that he will take the opinions of elders and Sangparivar before forming new committees.

The district BJP was suffering with the post of president falling vacant from months.

CMC APPROVES SAVINGS BUDGET

The City Municipal Council has approved a savings budget of rupees 462.57 lakhs in the meeting held here.

President Ponnappa announced that rupees 27.38 lakh is earmarked for the welfare of the poor. He told that three hi tech bus stands would be constructed at Madikeri and ten High mask lamps would be installed in various places. Parks would be developed and drainage at a cost of rupees 11.98 crores would be improved.

Vice president latha bangera, Commissioner Srikanth Rao were present.