Karnataka govt rejects probe into covid purchases; Oppn walks out of House

News Network
September 23, 2020

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Bengaluru, Sep 23: After the opposition demand for a judicial inquiry into procurements made during the COVID-19 pandemic was rejected, opposition Congress lawmakers led by Siddaramaiah walked out of the Assembly in protest on Wednesday.

Karnataka Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar earlier asserted that there was no corruption in any of the procurements done during the pandemic.

Replying to a debate on alleged procurement scams pointed out by opposition parties in the Assembly, Sudhakar said that there was no deviation of funds or corruption. “So, where is the question of ordering a probe? The state government rejects all allegations made by the Opposition,” the Minister said.

He charged the opposition lawmakers with trying to derive political mileage which he said was demoralising officials and Corona Warriors.

According to him, ventilators procured by the Tamil Nadu government are transport ventilators used in ambulances. “Hence, it is not correct to compare our ventilators with those in Tamil Nadu. Ventilators of different specifications and quality are available for different prices; one should not get confused with different prices,” he maintained.

The Minister asserted that the market prices vary as per the demand, and the procurement is done on the basis of prevailing prices.

“There is no instance of corruption in the procurement of equipment for the COVID-19 pandemic in the state. Not even a single deviation has taken place and, therefore, there is no need for an investigation,” he asserted.

“When there was no domestic production, we procured three lakh PPE kits from China. Subsequently, we decided to purchase from local manufacturers, that too ICMR-approved kits. Similar procedures were followed by other states as well,” the Minister explained.

He said there was shortage of sanitisers in the state but after talks with distillery owners, the demand has since been met.

Earlier, several opposition leaders, including Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah accused the state government of indulging in rampant corruption during the pandemic.

“Be it the purchase of ventilators, beds, medicines, or PPE kits, every procurement was cleared only after a cut. Hence, it is necessary to order a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court Judge,” he said, as other opposition members endorsed his views.

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News Network
January 17,2025

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Mangaluru, Jan 17: A heart-wrenching accident at Nadupadavu near Kattukodi on the outskirts of the city claimed the life of a young scooter rider this morning. 

The victim, identified as Abubakar Siddiq Razwi (22), son of Moydeen Kunji Bavu and a resident of Nadupadavu, tragically succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

The accident occurred when a scooter traveling from Deralakatte collided with an Ace Tempo heading from Mudipu to Thokkottu.

Abubakar, a final-year student at an Arabic Shariah College in Kasargod, leaves behind a community in mourning. The tempo driver also sustained injuries in the collision.

The Mangaluru South Traffic Police have registered a case and are conducting an investigation into the incident.

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News Network
January 14,2025

Udupi: Karnataka Kreedakoota-2025, a sports event organised by the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, Karnataka Olympic Association, and the District Administration, will be held in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts from January 17 to January 23.

The event will feature 1,373 athletes participating in a variety of sports, including kayaking, canoeing, archery, cycling, wrestling, boxing, hockey, lawn tennis, table tennis, Kabaddi, Judo, and athletics.

Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari K addressed a press conference on Monday, providing details about the events in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.

According to her, while volleyball, basketball, and swimming competitions will take place in Dakshina Kannada, events like kayaking and canoeing will be held in Brahmavara’s Swarna River, and archery will take place at the MJC Ground in Manipal.

Marena Sports Complex in Manipal will host lawn tennis and table tennis matches, she added.

The opening ceremony will take place on January 17 in Mangaluru and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be inaugurating the event.

The closing ceremony will be held in Udupi on January 23, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and Home Minister G Parameshwar attending.

The district administration, in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, has made provisions for accommodation and food for the participants, said the DC.

She also said the synthetic track at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Ajjarakad is undergoing repair work after its 10-year durability period ended in 2023, to provide athletes better infrastructure.

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News Network
January 9,2025

Mangaluru: Establishing a Beary Development Corporation is a valid demand, but its implications must be carefully studied, remarked Speaker UT Khader. He proposed forming an expert committee to evaluate the corporation’s potential impact on the Beary community during a district-level conference of the Beary-speaking community, organized by the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall on Wednesday.

Khader expressed concerns over inefficiencies in existing government-established corporations, such as unfilled leadership positions, lack of appointed members, and insufficient funding. “The Beary Development Corporation must avoid similar pitfalls,” he emphasized. He noted that the Minorities Development Corporation already provides various schemes for Beary Muslims, urging a detailed assessment to ensure the new corporation’s funding does not fall short of current provisions, which could disadvantage the community.

Praising the industrious and self-respecting nature of the Beary community, Khader highlighted the respect Beary elders once commanded in villages. He encouraged the youth to uphold this legacy and actively contribute to the community’s progress. Additionally, he commended the Beary youth for their swift and dedicated responses during emergencies, which have garnered widespread recognition.

Khader underscored the importance of unity, cautioning against fostering divisions within the community. He also stressed the critical role of education in development, urging the maintenance of detailed records for SSLC and PUC students to track progress.

The event was presided over by Azeez Baikampadi, president of the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha. Among the dignitaries present were former MLA Mohiudeen Bava and retired police officer GA Bawa. Dr. UT Ifikhar Ali Farid, honorary president of the Akhila Bharata Beary Mahasabha and chairman of the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council, was felicitated during the program.

In notable initiatives, Kanachuru Monu, chairman of Kanachuru Medical College, unveiled the Mahasabha’s new website, while Sheikhabba Karnire of Expertise Company, Jubail, launched an IAS-IPS program aimed at empowering the Beary community.

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