Known as a business entrepreneur, his stint in politics had certainly not been a vibrant one. After tasting defeat in the last assembly polls, Moideen Bava went into a sort of oblivion politically. With funky appearances as a team owner in Karnataka's version of IPL and with not many political glories to his credit, he did manage to tide over the assembly elections this year and is now the MLA of Mangalore North Constituency. Nurturing big plans for his constituency, Mr Bava talks about his dream for his people.
Could you shed more light on the concept ofGreater Mangalore'? What will be extent of urbanisation in these areas?
My constituency is divided into rural and urban areas. Out of that, there are six gram panchayats in Dakshina Kannada district such as Neermarga, Ulaibettu, Paduperara, Kandavara, Gurpur and Ganjimutt.
My aim is to bring these areas under Greater Mangalore, so that they will get developed on the lines of those areas which are under the Mangalore City Corporation at present. This concept is similar to that of the corporation in Bangalore City, the administration of which has been extended to include several areas under it.
There is a great necessity of roads, street lights and drinking water in these areas, which will be given priority along with other aspects of development.
By when do you see it coming into existence?
The Minister for Urban Development Vinay Kumar Sorake, hailing from this region, accepted this proposal when it was put forth before him. It is now in planning stage. If the areas have to be included in Greater Mangalore, the panchayats have to convene a meeting, make a resolution that they would like to be brought under the corporation and submit it to the minister. The process will begin thereafter.
Now that the people living in these areas are aware of this development, how do you propose to obtain feedback from them?
While most of the residents, who have become aware of this through the media, are in favour of this proposal, there are others who want to oppose it. However, this is not a problematic issue, and once every resident will be made aware of this, we will consider their opinion and then proceed according to it.
A year ago, residents of areas near Kulur staged protests against dumping of mud in the Phalguni River by Mangalore Special Economic Zone Ltd (MSEZL) complaining that it would cause rise in water levels and lead to flooding. You had visited the place and made assurances prior to being elected. Have you decided to do anything about this?
Regarding this issue, we have already spoken to the local people, whose main demand is that a wall should be constructed on their side of the river to prevent flooding and damaging of their houses. Their worry is that the houses would be affected by the flooding if the level of the river rises. Our plan is to construct a side-wall along the river to prevent any damage if the water-level rises.
However, it is not a small job, and will take time. Once the monsoons are over, the plan to construct a side-wall will commence. Our leader Oscar Fernandes has also assured the people regarding this. In fact, other aspects of this region, which was neglected by the previous MLAs, also needs to be looked into since it falls within the Corporation limits.
What about those families from Nellidady Guttu in Bajpe who have been ordered to vacate their land, which has been acquired by the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ)?
The matter is still pending before the Karnataka High Court. We will abide by the decision of the Court and then take further steps as per the instructions.
There are also 11 families of daily wage labourers in Kuttetturu village in Mangalore taluk who were evicted by MRPL back in May 1993, who have not received any compensation or been relocated by the company. Do you intend to take up the issue?
We have to support them in their plight. They have approached the court in this matter, and we will wait and watch what the court decides. If they approach us for help, we will hold discussions and try to provide some sort of compensation or aid if required.
One issue in the field of education is that there are many anomalies in the education sector. Things like the Right To Education Act is something that exists only on papers. No elected representative is ready to take up the issue. What is your take on this?
During the budget session, our Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave a clear verdict on the education system in the state. Education is an important thing. If India has progressed today, it is mainly because of the education in our country. A lot of aids and grants have been provided by the central government, which unfortunately is not reaching the people. Hence, the main intention of our government is that these aids should reach the maximum number of beneficiaries, especially those belonging to the lower strata of society, i.e. the backward classes or the minorities.
We are also ensuring that these aspects are publicised, to ensure that people are aware of the steps that are being taken to improve the education system. The main thing is to disseminate the message among the masses. We need to work on this aspect. The message has to reach the people, only then they would make use of these opportunities. In my constituency, it is my duty to see that people are made aware of the opportunities.
In spite of having several educational institutions, there is lack of quality in education. With illegal coaching centres cropping up, there are also allegations that political leaders play a role in setting up educational institutions for money-making purposes. What do you have to say about this?
If a person brings up complaints about any illegal coaching centres, we will take action. Sadly, today education has become a money-making business. However, quality will be our priority when it comes to education, and other sectors as well. If an influential person is seen taking undue advantage of his powers to gain money via educational institutions, we have to bring it to a halt.
You also have dreams of setting up an international cricket stadium in Mangalore. Is it the need of the hour?
Karnataka has only one cricket stadium located in Bangalore, which is why everything is restricted to that city. In most of the other states, there is more than one stadium. Infact Maharashtra has four, with two being in Mumbai and one each in Nagpur and Ahmednagar. A lot of cricket matches are held in India, including Indian Premier League matches. My opinion is that youth are captivated by sports, hence there is a need for a stadium.
I have spoken to the district in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada Ramanath Rai, and all the MLAs of the region are in accordance with the project. We will further speak to the Union Sports Minister and request an approval.
Around 1,700 acres of land belonging to Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) is lying vacant near Baikampady, which may be utilised for the stadium if the project is approved.
People say that you are keen on the project because you have a personal interest in the sport, being the owner of a cricket team playing in the Karnataka Premier League.
Well, cricket is a popular game in our country. However, along with cricket, every sport needs to be encouraged. If a significant or large-scale sports event has to take place, a stadium is a necessity. But there is no stadium in the region, be it for cricket, football or hockey. If we want to develop and train athletes and players, they need to be given a ground to practice on.
If a sports stadium is constructed, it will be made available to hold events of other sports too along with cricket.
What about the proposed ESI hospital in Katipalla?
If not an ESI hospital, we require at least a small health centre in Katipalla, as well as Gurpur areas, which will cater to the health requirements of the poor. We have to also upgrade an existing health centre in Suratkal immediately. All necessary facilities will have to be provided in the centre to ensure maximum health care service in the region.
After having been elected, will you be following the trend of the previous elected representative of the constituency Krishna J Palemar of dealing with your own business ventures along with being an MLA?
My aim is to involve myself in the service of people, which I fully intend to do.
Do you force any impact of Saudi Arabia'sNitaqat' policy on your constituency?
Because of theNitaqat' policy implemented in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, several thousand Indian expatriates have been forced to quit their jobs and return to India. There are also several among them hailing from Dakshina Kannada.
Earlier, there was lot of foreign income through the Indian diaspora in the Middle East. Due to the implementation of this policy by the Government of Saudi Arabia, most of them have been facing trouble.
Our request to the chief minister is that once those from the district return to their native land, they have to be taken care and protected. Aid should be provided to them, and they should be protected. If support is provided, then they may start work afresh here; this is our main intention. Hence, our demand is that some aid should be provided by the government to the returning expatriates who have been affected by the Nitaqat policy.
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