MLA Ashok Rai Submits List of Pending Gun Licence Renewals to Home Minister

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 12, 2026: Puttur MLA Ashok Rai has submitted a list of pending gun licence renewal applications to Karnataka Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara, following an assurance given during the recent Assembly session.

The list reportedly includes around 38 farmers and other applicants from Puttur, Belthangady, Bantwal and Sullia taluks whose gun licence renewals are awaiting approval.

Speaking after meeting the Home Minister, Ashok Rai said licensed firearms are essential for many farmers in Dakshina Kannada district to protect crops from wild animals. However, despite submitting renewal applications, several farmers have been facing delays due to various reasons.

The MLA said many affected applicants had approached him seeking intervention, prompting him to compile and submit the list of pending cases from different taluks.

During the recent Karnataka Legislative Assembly session, Ashok Rai had raised the issue of delays in renewal of gun licences in Dakshina Kannada district. He pointed out that farmers in the region frequently suffer crop losses caused by wild animals and therefore require licensed firearms for protection. He urged the government to approve eligible applications, except in cases where licences cannot legally be granted.

Responding to the issue in the Assembly, Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara had asked the MLA to submit a list of pending applicants, assuring that appropriate action would be considered thereafter.

Ashok Rai expressed confidence that the Home Minister would take the necessary steps to clear the pending renewals as assured during the Assembly session.

Demand for minority boys’ hostel

The MLA has also submitted a request to Housing and Minority Welfare Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan seeking the establishment of a minority boys’ hostel in the newly constructed but currently vacant Common Service Centre building of the Minority Department in Puttur. The minister has reportedly given in-principle approval for the proposal.

Ashok Rai said there is an acute shortage of hostel facilities for poor and middle-class students coming to Puttur town from nearby rural areas for education. In this context, he stressed the need for a new boys’ hostel in the town.

He further suggested that the vacant Common Service Centre building in Puttur could be effectively utilised for the purpose.