Installation works of Valmiki statue on new DC office premises begin

Mysuru: Social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa on Thursday launched work for the installation of the statue of Maharshi Valmiki on the premises of the new DC office in Siddartha Nagar.

With the launch of the project, the district administration fulfilled one of the long-pending demands of the ST community, who are sizably concentrated in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahadevappa said the state govt released Rs 1.5 crore for the installation of the statue. CM Siddaramaiah assured to release more grants if needed for these works.

Earlier, the district administration planned to install the statue on the premises of the taluk office following the demand from the community people. However, the plan was dropped due to the restrictions. The district administration has now decided to install the statue of Maharshi Valmiki on the premises of the new DC office after clearing all the hurdles as per the suggestions from the community people, he stated.

People, irrespective of their identities, must revere the contributions of great personalities like Maharshi Valmiki forever, he stated. He described these great personalities as agents of social change in the nation.

The minister also stated the govt is committed to the welfare of the poor, deprived classes, and weaker sections of society.

Presiding over the programme, former minister and MLA Tanveer Sait said he asked the community leaders to protect 22 acres belonging to the Huliyamma Trust community in the NR constituency.

MLAs GT Devegowda, K Harishgowda, Anil Chikkamadu, TS Srivatsa, MLC K Manjegowda, deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, ZP CEO KM Gayathri, ST development officer manager and others were present.