Government keen on harnessing marine wealth, Udupi district in-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad

Udupi district’s in-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad delivers the Karnataka Rajyotsava speech during the district-level celebrations in Udupi on November 1, 2026. | Photo Credit: Umesh S. Shettigar Udupi district in-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad said on Sunday (November 1, 2026) that the government has approved the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy to harness the marine wealth, the greatest asset of Karnataka.He was delivering the Karnataka Rajyothsava speech at the district-level celebrations, hoisting the National Flag and receiving the guard of honour in Udupi.The Minister said that under the biotechnology policy, the Karnataka Institute of Marine Technology and Blue Economy would be established at the Government Fisheries College in Mangaluru. The number of seats in the college would also be increased from 60 to 200.He said, “Our wish is to elevate Udupi to new heights. We plan to provide greater opportunities for tourism in the coastal and Malnad areas. Using 7.07 acres of land at Trasi and Maravanthe beaches, it has been decided to develop and promote a resort, along with various amusement parks and sports activities, at a cost of ₹48 crore.”Although Udupi has been a prominent part of Tulu culture, it has contributed immensely to the heritage of Kannada. In a land with such grand heritage, attempts were being made to sow enmity among the people. Stating that such attempts were painful, Mr. Arshad urged people to be careful about them.Gramanubhava programmeThe Minister launched the Karnataka government’s ambitious Gramanubhava programme to introduce rural life to urban students. This was a unique program introducing rural life for urban school students, covering aspects such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and art and culture. The program would be implemented for students in classes 9 and 11, Mr. Arshad said.Completely literate districtUdupi district has emerged as the first literate district in the State, achieving a literacy rate of 95.53% according to the Central Government’s norms. On this occasion, Mr. Arshad officially declared it a fully literate district.The Minister flagged off the procession after prayers to Mother Bhuvaneshwari at Board High School, and then it proceeded to the District Mahatma Gandhi Stadium via Kavi Muddana Marga and Jodukatte.MLA Yashpal A. Suvarna, Narayana Guru Development Corporation Chairman Manjunath Poojary Mudradi, Udupi Urban Development Authority Chairman Dinakar Heroor, Coastal Development Board Chairman M.A. Gafoor, Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa and others were present. Published - November 01, 2026 03:17 pm IST