SC/ST grievance meeting cancelled after officials remain absent; Dalit leaders walk out in protest

A taluk-level Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) grievance redressal meeting was cancelled on Friday after several key officials failed to attend, prompting community leaders to boycott the proceedings in protest.

The meeting, held at the Taluk Panchayat hall under the chairmanship of Tahsildar Pradeep Kumar, began amid tension when leaders noticed the absence of heads of key departments, including the Chief Officer of the Municipality.

Community leaders Srinivas Karla and Ramesh Pervaje questioned the purpose of holding the meeting in the absence of responsible officials. “What is the use of conducting a discussion on grievances when the concerned authorities themselves are not present?” they asked, expressing strong displeasure over the municipality sending staff members instead of the Chief Officer.

Allegations of Illegal Mining

Speaking on the occasion, leader Ashok Kuntalapady alleged that illegal mining activities were rampant across Karkala. He claimed that migrants from other states were exploiting the region’s natural resources while local residents were deprived of benefits.

Despite complaints being submitted to the Mines Department, no action had been taken, he alleged. Although officials from the Mines, Forest, and Revenue Departments were present, the absence of other key officers led to dissatisfaction and eventual cancellation of the meeting.

Notice to Absent Officials

Attempting to pacify the agitating leaders, Tahsildar Pradeep Kumar assured that notices would be issued immediately to officials who failed to attend. He warned that department heads must mandatorily attend the next meeting and that sending representatives would not be tolerated.

Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department Kumar stated that the meeting would be reconvened within 15 days.

Leaders of the Malekudiya community, including Sridhar Gowda, Gangadhar Gowda, and Deekayya Gowda, later expressed their anger before mediapersons.