Mangaluru: U.T. Khader urges people, organisations, political parties to unite for Cabinet meeting

Mangaluru: U.T. Khader urges people, organisations, political parties to unite for Cabinet meeting

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sept. 17, 2026: State Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Thursday appealed to people, organisations and political parties across the coastal region to come together and extend a grand welcome to the Karnataka Cabinet, which will hold its meeting in Mangaluru on September 18.

Addressing a press conference at Praja Soudha in Padil, Khader said the Cabinet meeting would focus on development issues concerning Karnataka, Mangaluru and the Tulu Nadu region, while also addressing several long-pending demands of the people of Dakshina Kannada.

He said several proposals relating to tourism, healthcare, education, transport, connectivity and other sectors would be placed before the Cabinet. Various representations submitted by the public and local representatives are also expected to be considered by the government.

Khader said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently held a detailed meeting with MLAs from Mangaluru, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, during which departmental requirements and development-related issues were discussed.

Appeal to withdraw protests

Khader appealed to organisations planning protests during the Cabinet visit to withdraw them, stating that Tulu Nadu is known for its harmony and culture of hospitality.

Referring to concerns over prison jammers, he said the issue was not new and that shifting the existing prison to Mudipu would provide a permanent solution to concerns related to jammers as well as the shortage of space.

On private medical colleges and hospitals supporting government healthcare facilities, Khader said poor patients were not being charged for treatment.

He said private institutions were providing doctors and staff through their own resources and corporate social responsibility initiatives. According to Khader, a similar model first implemented in Ullal increased daily patient attendance from around 60 to nearly 600.

He questioned whether poor patients should not have access to quality healthcare at government hospitals.

Coastal festival at Tannirbhavi

Khader said a coastal festival would be organised at Tannirbhavi as part of the Cabinet visit.

He said the Chief Minister and Cabinet ministers were expected to participate in programmes beginning at a religious site, with Kadri Temple likely to be one of the starting points.

A grand reception will be organised at Pumpwell, while ministers will be served traditional coastal seafood and regional cuisine at Tannirbhavi in the evening, he said.

On B.K. Hariprasad’s remarks

Asked about Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad’s remarks concerning Umar Khalid, Khader said the matter had not come before the Cabinet.

He described Hariprasad’s statement as his personal opinion and said he would speak to him about the issue.

Almost entire Cabinet expected to attend

Khader said almost all Cabinet ministers were expected to attend the Mangaluru meeting, with only one or two likely to be absent due to international commitments or responsibilities related to the Rajya Sabha.

He appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities as minor traffic changes may be introduced due to VIP movement and security arrangements.

Khader said that after the Chief Minister approves and signs the proposals, they will be forwarded to the respective departments for preparation of action plans. Proposals involving more than Rs 10 crore will have to be placed before the Cabinet again for final approval.