Puttur MLA criticises religion

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have not witnessed meaningful development for a long time, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said.Speaking at a training programme organised by the Rai Charitable Trust for youths preparing for the civil police constable and Armed Reserve Police recruitment examinations in Puttur on Sunday, Rai alleged that politicians in the region have long centred their politics around religion.“I firmly believe this must change. Priority should be given to those who work for development. If you look at the state budgets over the past 10 years, you will notice that Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have received very few grants or allocations,” he said, urging the youth to focus on employment and development rather than divisive politics.Rai said the trust’s initiative would be considered successful if 150 to 200 candidates from the programme secured jobs in the police department. He also assured the aspirants that the trust would continue its efforts to create employment opportunities across various sectors.The MLA said the trust would also offer free coaching for aspirants preparing for the village accountant recruitment examinations in the future. “The trust has already helped many candidates secure contractual jobs in the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). A veterinary college is expected to commence from the next academic year, creating around 75 to 100 employment opportunities. Further, the proposed medical college in Puttur is likely to generate nearly 10,000 jobs once it becomes fully operational,” he said.Encouraging aspirants not to lose hope if they failed to clear the police recruitment process, Rai said alternative employment opportunities would be available. “You should apply for every govt recruitment drive for which you are eligible. The govt is recruiting over 1,000 teachers for residential schools for BEd graduates. In addition, around 15,000 teachers are being recruited for Karnataka Public Schools (KPSs). Put your best efforts into all these opportunities,” he added.Participants at a training programme organised by the Rai Charitable Trust for youths preparing for the civil police constables and Armed Reserve Police recruitment in Puttur on SundayGet the latest City News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.Stay updated with the latest Mangaluru news. Download the TOI App.