Govt mulls separate tourism policy in Dakshina Kannada: Dy CM D K Shivakumar

'This region has numerous temples and a coastal line, so steps will be taken to implement a separate tourism policy. Even though Mangaluru has a major port, there are no quality five-star hotels,' he said.

Mangaluru: “In the coastal and interior regions of Dakshina Kannada, there are issues pertaining to disturbances to communal harmony. To resolve this, job opportunities need to be created for the youth. The government is considering implementing a separate tourism policy for coastal region," said Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Speaking during "Ashoka Jan-Mana," distribution of clothes to people organised by the Rai Estates Educational and Charitable Trust, led by MLA Ashok Rai, on Saturday at the taluk stadium in Kombettu, Puttur, he said, " due to issues like communal clashes, students from other districts are not coming to educational institutions here. Many banks founded here have disappeared. The youth from this region are migrating to Saudi Arabia, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in search of jobs."

"Therefore, leaders from this region have advised prioritising local employment opportunities. This region has numerous temples and a coastal line, so steps will be taken to implement a separate tourism policy. Even though Mangaluru has a major port, there are no quality five-star hotels," he added.

The government is committed to bring in changes in the lives of the people in the state.

Ashok Rai has proposed many development projects for Puttur, but due to the by-elections, these cannot be publicly announced at the moment. His requests will be fulfilled gradually. “Even though we won only two seats in Dakshina Kannada district, we will develop all constituencies,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.

“For success in life, one should have the righteousness of Dharmaraya, the generosity of Karna, the aim of Arjuna, the ethics of Vidura, the strength of Bhima, and the strategy of Krishna. I believe Ashok Rai possesses all these qualities,” he added.

Guarantees have brought change

“Our government works on bringing changes in lives of people, not just banking on emotions. Direct payments to 1.2 crore women are being made without interference of middlemen or bribes, ensuring the money from the Gruha Lakshmi scheme reaches their accounts directly. The five guarantees have brought economic empowerment to people's lives,” said Deputy Chief Minister.

With the blessings of Lord Mangalingeshwara in Puttur, the Congress will return to power in 2028 to continue serving the people of the state. “We don’t rake up emotional issues. We won with hearts of people through our guarantee schemes," he said.