Centre slammed for delaying fund release for flood-hit Karnataka

Agencies

October 4, 2019

New Delhi, Oct 4: Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka minister H K Patil on Friday accused the Modi government of delaying the release of funds for the flood-hit state and asked the Centre to act swiftly to protect lives of the affected people.

There has been a delay in sanctioning the funds as the ruling BJP government in the state had submitted a proposal apparently with some discrepancies, he said, adding the state has been asked to resend the correct proposal.

Accusing the BJP government both at the Centre and the state for not releasing the relief funds, Patil said the B S Yediyurappa-led government "cannot sit quiet saying it does not have the funds for relief work."

"If there is no fund, take loan and fulfil your commitment towards the people. Otherwise, step down...," he told reporters.

The situation is bad in the state as damage is estimated to be around Rs 2 lakh crore. Around 1,000 villages have to be rebuilt and one lakh acres of farm land has been affected, he said.

Patil further said, "It is a natural disaster. In this grave situation, the Centre's behaviour towards Karnataka is unacceptable. You are ready to give relief to Russia. You are ready to give relief to other states, why not to our state?"

The Centre should first release the funds and cross check later the estimate of damage submitted by the state, he said.

He also mentioned that Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had visited the flood-hit areas and had given assurances but nothing has been fulfilled yet.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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