Mangaluru: MLA Bharath Shetty directs officials to address students’ hostel travel issues

Mangaluru: MLA Bharath Shetty directs officials to address students’ hostel travel issues

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 29, 2026: MLA Dr Y. Bharath Shetty has directed officials to address the difficulties faced by students who have to travel long distances from their hostels to educational institutions in Mangaluru city.

He issued the direction while presiding over the second-quarter Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) progress review meeting for Mangaluru taluk, held at the Taluk Panchayat meeting hall on Wednesday.

The MLA instructed the Backward Classes Welfare Department and the Social Welfare Department to consider the distance between hostels and educational institutions, along with the availability of convenient transport, while allotting hostel accommodation.

He noted that some students are allotted hostels far from their colleges, causing considerable inconvenience. Students have been requesting accommodation closer to their educational institutions. He said appropriate arrangements must be made during the allotment process to ensure that such difficulties do not affect their studies.

Providing students with a conducive environment for quality education is the responsibility of the departments concerned, he said, urging officials to respond promptly to students’ grievances and prioritise suitable hostel facilities.

Dr Shetty also directed the departments concerned to coordinate efforts to prevent the spread of malaria and dengue in Mangaluru city. The Health Department reported that 19 of 565 suspected dengue cases had been confirmed. Of the 95 malaria cases reported, 70 involved workers from other states.

He called for greater public awareness of the Vayomitra, health camp and Ayurvidya programmes implemented by the AYUSH Department, stressing that the benefits of these initiatives should reach the public.

The MLA also directed officials to take preventive measures to control stray dogs, particularly in residential areas and around schools, and prevent dog-bite incidents in accordance with applicable rules.

Concern Over Food Adulteration

Dr Shetty expressed concern over alleged widespread food adulteration, warning that a network could be involved in adulterating products consumed by the public. He urged the Food Department to take the issue seriously, noting the potential health risks associated with adulterated food.

He alleged that petroleum products and paraffin were being mixed with cooking oil used in households and that large quantities of paraffin were being transported. He also alleged that sweet potato flour and urea were being mixed with milk powder, allowing adulterated products to be sold at lower prices.

He called for appropriate action by the authorities to address the alleged adulteration and protect public health.