The decisions of the State Cabinet, following its maiden meeting in Mangaluru on Friday were in line with the needs of the coastal Karnataka region. The decisions further the growth and development of the region, said Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DCC) president-designate R. Padmaraj in Mangaluru on Saturday.

Talking to reporters at the district party office, Mr. Padmaraj lauded Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his Cabinet colleagues for giving Tulu the second additional official language status. This was a long-pending demand. By according official language status to Tulu, the Cabinet has respected the sentiments of residents. “Our government does not practise divisive politics. The government is committed to the development of the people,” he said. The government will take the opinion of the people on changing the name of the district from Dakshina Kannada to Mangaluru within a month and take a suitable decision. The government will shortly take a decision on the grant of DC Manna (Depressed Classes) land to SCs and STs. He lauded the Cabinet for granting ₹32,000 crore for various development works in the coastal belt.

Former Mangaluru City South MLA J.R. Lobo said issues, including the grant of ₹350 crore for laying a new sewage line (UGD network) and covering uncovered areas, did not figure in the Cabinet decisions. “It only means that the government has taken note of the issues and decisions will be taken in the coming days,” Mr. Lobo said.

The outgoing district president of the party, K. Harish Kumar, said the problem caused by mobile phone jammers installed at the Mangaluru District Prison will be permanently resolved once the prison moves to a new location in Balepuni.

Mr. Padmaraj will take charge as the president of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee on September 24.

Former Moodbidri MLA K. Abhayachandra Jain was present.