M. Mallesham and his sisters, Lakshmi and Neelamma, from Ujalampad in Sirgapur mandal are all graduates, enough to make them confident. But their dwarfish stature always held them back from facing people. So much so that they would even hesitate to approach officials seeking help.
Somehow, with the help of others they approached Collector Vasam Venkateswarlu on Monday seeking employment. The occasion was the grievances meet being held for the first time at the constituency level. The Collector responded positively and promised to address their problem.
The case of K. Sundari Bai, G. Lakshmi, N. Sushila and K. Meena is different, as they sought pension and housing. Similarly, Shankar of Turkapally requested for sanction of a house for him.
MPTC member Sanjeeva Reddy informed the Collector at the grievance meet that many schools are without teachers. He put forth the figures of schools in different villages of Kangti (36), Kalher (24) and Manoor (26) mandals where there are no teachers. Even Vidya Volunteers are not functioning, resulting in high dropout rate of students.
The grievance cell at the constituency level is a ray of hope for many as the entire official machinery is within reach and they feel their problems will be addressed at the earliest. The number of people swelled from 10.30 a.m. onwards, as if it was the last chance to meet the Collector and explain the problems. The meet ended at 1.30 p.m.
Later in the afternoon, Mr. Venkateswarlu held a review meeting with the officials and public representatives including MLA M. Bhupal Reddy. Informing that bulk water supply would reach villages by July 10, he directed the officials to provide tap connections to houses by August first week. Referring to Rythu Bandhu scheme, he directed the officials to ensure that farmers are not facing any problems while encashing cheques. They were also asked to see that sufficient quantity of seeds and fertilizer is made available in the market. He also reviewed the construction of double bedroom houses, functioning of hospital and other issues.
“There is very good response from the public and they came here with a hope that we will address their problems. We will certainly do that. Next Monday the grievances would be held at Andol,” Mr Venkateswarlu told The Hindu .
