A united demand of social workers for establishment of well-equipped rehabilitation center in Udupi

By Richard D’Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 19 July 2023: There is no government rehabilitation centre in the district to provide accommodation for rescued children, beggars, mentally ill and helpless women. A lot of hardships are being experienced due to this deficiency. Therefore, the social workers of the district have unanimously demanded that the state government should grant a well-equipped rehabilitation centre to Udupi district.

 

This insistence was heard in a talk program with social workers like Ishwara Malpe, Nityananda Olakkadu, Vishu Shetty Ambalapadi and Ganeshraj Saralebettu held on Tuesday, July 18 at Udupi Press Bhavan in collaboration with Rajata Mahotsav Committee of Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association and Hiriyadka Sankruti Siri Trust.

 

Lifeguard Ishwara Malpe said that if the government gives us five acres of land in Udupi, we will set up a rehabilitation center and take responsibility. 50% of silt has been removed from Malpe port, due to which the number of people falling into water and dying has reduced. However, the remaining 50% of the silt should be removed by the government immediately. Malpe beach is full of garbage. He said that 50-60 tons of garbage came to the shore from the sea.

 

 

In the cases of accidents and drowning deaths, most people have consumed alcohol or drugs. Therefore, the police department should thoroughly investigate and take action to find the source of this drug network. Similarly, educational institutions and parents should also be careful about this, he requested.

 

Nityananda said, "We will protect orphans." But the concerned are counseled and released again. Because there is no arrangement for them to stay here. Similarly, there is no government-level rehabilitation center system for beggars and mentally ill. Due to this, social workers are struggling. A few years ago we appealed to the District Collector but got no response. He said that we have come to a situation where we are asking the victims for protection.

 

Vishu Shetty Ambalapadi said that this year I have protected women who were roaming around due to loss of mental stability. But we have no facility to rehabilitate them. There is a situation of taking him to an outside district for treatment. Senior officials are not responding properly to our request. Many people lost their lives without basic facilities in the district hospital. The women who are infected with HIV are roaming on the streets but there is no system to protect them.

 

Ganeshraj Saralebettu said that fire brigade station should be allotted to Manipal where more fire accidents occur. Arbi Falls in Manipal should be developed from tourism point of view. Parkala National Highway work should be completed immediately. He demanded that the forest department should take action to prevent the menace of wild animals.

 

The program was inaugurated by Prof. Mulidhara Upadhyay, Managing Trustee of Sankhurthi Siri Trust and critic. Rajesh Shetty, President of Udupi District Working Journalists Association, presided. Honorary President of Udupi World Culture Foundation Vishwanath Shenoy, State Committee member of the association Kiran Manjanbailu, General Secretary of Rajata Mahotsav Committee Jayakara Suvarna, Treasurer Umesh Marpalli were present.

 

Nazir Polya, general secretary of the association, welcomed the gathering. Journalist Shasidhara Mastibailu introduced the social workers. Silver Jubilee Committee Convener Muhammad Sharif gave the vote of thanks. Michael Rodrigues, member of the executive committee of the association, presented the program.