Team Goemkarponn
BELGAVI-GOA: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has instructed officials to intensify surveillance and enforcement against drug trafficking and illegal liquor movement in districts bordering Goa, saying stronger coordination is essential to tackle cross-border crime and safeguard young people.
Reviewing the functioning of district and taluka-level administration during a meeting in Belagavi on Thursday, Shivakumar asked the police, excise, revenue and other departments to work together to disrupt smuggling networks operating across the Karnataka-Goa border.
He said illegal narcotics and liquor trade not only fuel criminal activity but also threaten the wellbeing of the younger generation, making strict enforcement a priority for the government.
The directive comes against the backdrop of repeated seizures along the interstate border, particularly in Khanapur, Jamboti and Kankumbi, which have remained under the scanner for the illegal transport of liquor, spirit and narcotic substances. In a recent operation, excise officials intercepted nearly 14,000 litres of illicit spirit near Jamboti.
Apart from law enforcement, the Chief Minister urged officials to improve public service delivery by reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring that citizens do not have to visit multiple government offices for routine work. He encouraged officers to resolve issues at the local level wherever possible and maintain close supervision over field staff.
Shivakumar also directed district and taluka officers to remain stationed within their respective jurisdictions so that public complaints can be addressed without delay.
On the development front, he outlined several governance initiatives, including strengthening the Praja Seva Department, expanding doorstep e-Khata services, promoting quality education through CSR and KPS school initiatives, and implementing the Yuva Udyoga Setu programme to improve employment opportunities for youth in the private sector.
Emphasising the need for discipline in public administration, the Chief Minister said government officials would be expected to uphold transparency, efficiency and accountability. He also cautioned that negligence in duty, including the use of mobile phones during official review meetings, would invite disciplinary action.
