Monday, July 7, 2025

MLC Ivan D’Souza has requested the Karnataka government to conduct a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, citing that developmental and administrative issues long pending in the state’s coastal areas must be met. This follows Cabinet meetings already conducted in some parts, including Chamarajanagar, Nandi Hills, and Kalaburagi, and the next one scheduled in Vijayapura. D’Souza contended that the coastal region, especially Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, should receive similar attention.

According to D’Souza, a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru would bring focused attention to the specific issues faced by the coastal region and allow ministers to engage directly with local stakeholders. He plans to formally raise the issue in the upcoming Legislature session and meet with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to advocate for the session in Mangaluru.

D’Souza highlighted several key demands that could benefit the coastal region, beginning with the renaming of Dakshina Kannada to “Mangaluru.” He noted that there is a growing consensus among political and social leaders regarding this change. According to D’Souza, “Mangaluru” is more widely recognized on a global scale, and renaming the district would help create a distinct “Brand Mangaluru” identity, which could boost tourism, commerce, and the region’s overall visibility.

Another significant demand raised by D’Souza is the need for greater investment in tourism and fisheries. Despite previous discussions on enhancing tourism in the region, no substantial projects have been announced. D’Souza stressed that these sectors hold significant potential for the local economy and require focused attention. By developing infrastructure, promoting tourism packages, and supporting sustainable fisheries, the coastal region can better harness its natural resources for economic growth.

As an educational hub, Mangalore University is another focal point for D’Souza. He called for a dedicated development package for the university to address both infrastructural and academic needs. This package would provide much-needed support for the university’s growth, ensuring it continues to attract students and become a leading educational institution in the region.

D’Souza also highlighted the need for immediate upgrades at Mangaluru Airport, which holds international status but has seen limited development. Despite its significance, the airport has not received the attention it deserves. D’Souza pointed out that upgrading the airport’s infrastructure and increasing its capacity would facilitate more international flights, improving connectivity and supporting the region’s tourism and business sectors.

Another issue raised was the shortage of sand and red stone, which has led to construction delays in the region. D’Souza called for the government to simplify the legal procedures related to the procurement of raw materials, ensuring that construction projects can proceed without unnecessary hindrances. Streamlining these processes would help accelerate the region’s development, especially in key infrastructure projects.

According to D’Souza, the Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru would provide a unique opportunity to address the pressing needs of the coastal region, which have often been overlooked by successive governments. By holding a session in Mangaluru, the government would demonstrate its commitment to addressing local concerns and ensuring that the region receives the attention and resources it deserves. This approach would help establish stronger governance and drive progress in sectors such as tourism, education, infrastructure, and business development.

The growing demand for a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru reflects the region’s increasing importance in Karnataka’s broader development plans. Mangaluru, with its strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and economic potential, is poised to play a significant role in the state’s growth trajectory. However, this potential can only be realized if the government takes steps to address the unique challenges faced by the coastal districts.

MLC Ivan D’Souza’s decision for a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru is testimony enough for the growing demand for addressing the developmental needs in the coastal area. With demands for renaming Dakshina Kannada, greater investment in tourism and fishing, greater assistance for Mangalore University, and administrative betterment in Mangaluru Airport, and putting an end to the lack of raw materials, the region’s future can greatly be altered with focused attention by the government. It will provide the needed platform for tackling and executing action on the issues, leading the way towards the better future prospects for the coastal Karnataka districts.