Sirsi: The much expected announcement of district status for Sirsi, taluk status of Banavasi and medical college for the Malnad region remained a dream this time as well in the budget tabled on 15th March, Wednesday.

The budget did not bring much to cheer for the people of the malnad region.

People had been demanding formation of separate district with Sirsi being the headquarters as Uttara Kannada district comprises a wide region with 11 taluks.

Moreover, the demand for establishing a medical college in Sirsi also remained unattended.

The Banavasi development Authority which was announced during the last budget was formed recently.

The district administration had submitted a comprehensive proposal to the government, seeking Rs 81.30 crore for the Authority.

The government would release funds in phase manner as the proposal comprised long-term activities.

MLA Shivaram Hebbar had recently stated that the government might provide Rs 10 crore for the Authority. But, the government announced only Rs 5 crore for the Authority.

The State budget announced formation of 49 new taluks. But only one taluk will be formed in Uttara Kannada. Veteran journalist Patil Puttappa had written a letter to the chief minister three years ago insisting that Banavasi should be given a status of taluk as it was the first capital of Kannada land. Banavasi had every potential to be a taluk headquarters. Along with this the people had been demanding formation of Dandeli and Gokarna taluks. However, Dandeli was declared as a taluk, but Gokarna and Banavasi were sidelined again.

The condition of roads in the Malnad area was also pathetic. Therefore, people expected some funds to be alloted for road and bridge works. But the budget has not proposed any such funds. Moreover, the funds given for Banavasi Authority were also meagre, said MLA Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri.