Village panchayat in Karnataka kicks up a row over entry of outsiders

Karwar: Cutting across the party lines, all 26 members of the Mallapur Panchayat have resigned as a mark of protest against the government for failing to quarantine the eight from Uttarakhand who came to Kaiga plant four days ago.

The members have sent their resignation to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada, and CEO of Zilla Panchayat through the Panchayat Development Officer.

"We and our Panchayat task force got to know that eight people including two drivers came to Kaiga plant from Uttarakhand. As per the government norms, anybody coming from outside have to undergo quarantine of 14 days. But these people have entered Kaiga without being quarantined," Panchayat Vice President Swathi Naik told Deccan Chronicle.

"All these days we have ensured our place is Covid free. We have worked day and night for the safety of the people. All our effort would go waste if there are any positive cases. Sadly, the government has allowed people from other states to directly enter Kaiga without placing them under quarantine," she said.

"The eight had come for some work inside the Kaiga plant on April 30. Though officials tried to hide this, we got it from our source. On the next day, we visited the Kaiga gate and got it confirmed. Though we wrote to the district administration, we did not get any answer. Those who came from Uttarakhand have still not been quarantined . When there is no value for us what is the use of continuing in power. So barring political differences we all have tendered our resignation. As it is an interstate issue we have also brought it to the notice of the Chief Minister," she added.

Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar said that the duty of the Panchayat Taskforce was just to inform and report any issue to the district administration.

"Based on their information the Zilla Panchayat CEO has taken the necessary administrative step. Despite CEO taking appropriate steps such harsh step by the Panchayat members is unwarranted," Uttara Kannada DC Dr Harish Kumar K said.