Mrs. Jyothi Lewis has been elected as the new President of Kemmannu Panchayat at the recently held elections. Since the post was reserved to backward caste Woman, she has won the post unopposed.

Jyothi Lewis is the wife of Mr. Hubert Lewis of Baligera Kudru. She has two children, Hansen, who is doing his Engineering studies in Mysore and Hancilla, who is in 7th standard. She is a housewife and an active social worker. This is the second term for her as Panchayat member. She had contested and won from Hoode ward this time as an independent candidate. Earlier she was a member from Padukudru ward.

 An Interview with newly elected Kemmannu Panchayat President Mrs. Jyothi Lewis.

Kemmannu.com reporter Thomas D’souza met her in the office and interacted with her on several issues. Excerpts:

K.D: Congratulations on winning the coveted post Mrs. Jyothi. How was the first fortnight in the hot seat?

J.L: Thanks for the wishes. I am feeling comfortable, as I have my experience as a member in the last term. I am still getting acquainted to the new job. Panchayat staffs are very co-operative hence I do not feel any heat of the seat.

K.D: Do you feel happy that being an independent member with no party support, you had the chance to be the president. Did you ever dream about the post?

J.L: I really feel happy and even my wildest dream never thought about the post. Luckily for me the post was reserved for Woman. Since there were no other member in that category, I was elected unopposed.

K.D: Congress backed members, who have strength of 17 in a council of 22 feel sore about the fact that they missed the opportunity to elect one of their own members as President. Do expect their full support.

J.L: Basically Panchayat elections are fought on a non party basis. I do not see any problem in getting their support. Anyhow, my term will be for a period of 30 months. Hopefully others get the chance for the next 30 months.

K.D: What are your priorities to improve the Panchayat?

J.L: Panchayat work is a continuous process. I will continue the good work and projects started by the earlier body. New interior roads, clean drinking water, waste disposal and clean governance are my priorities.

K.D: Dumping garbage near the Kemmannu Bridge was a hot topic before the election and villagers protested against it. How do you plan to tackle the problem?

J.L: Lack of proper dumping yard in Kemmannu is a problem. However, I will take all members into confidence in the first meeting and try to solve the problem. We will try to take the garbage to the dumping yard at Udupi.

K.D: Illegal sand mining is rampant in the area. Do you have any plan to stop it?

J.L: Panchayat has a limited right in this matter. Mining department has started to check the problem. Recently they confiscated and took action on some transporters carrying sand near Perlakadi. Hope they will stop the menace

K.D: There is news that the Govt. is trying to curtail the powers of the President by appointing a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), who would be authorized to sign the cheques instead of the president?

J.L: Govt. has already appointed a PDO and had plans to reduce the powers of the President. However, due to the objection from various quarters, now the PDO and President jointly authorized to sign the cheques.

K.D: Thank you madam. Kemmannu.com wishes you all the best in your new role.

J.L: Thanks. My good wishes to all Kemmannu.com viewers.