Karnataka proposes ban on govt servants acting in films, TV programmes

Agencies
October 30, 2020

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Bengaluru, Oct 30: The Karnataka government has proposed a ban on government servants acting in films and television programmes.

In the draft Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2020, which was published on Tuesday, the Karnataka government has laid down a set of dos and don'ts for government servants.

The government has given 15 days time for people to submit their suggestions and objections in the draft gazette notification.

Once it is finalised, it will come into force immediately.

There are many striking features of the draft rules.

One of the topics is related to "press, radio or television, participating in performing arts or mass media of any kind or publication of books, articles, etc."

"No government servant shall act in films and television serials or associate himself with any activity related thereto unless permitted by the competent authority in accordance with the instructions in this regard," says the draft rule.

It also bars a government servant from conducting or participating in the editing or management of any newspaper or periodical publication, own wholly or in part without prior permission from the competent authority.

The government servant should also not take part in the sponsored media programme including radio, television or in a media programme commissioned by government media, but produced by an outside agency.

Publishing any book or engaging themselves habitually in literary or artistic or scientific work of any kind except in the bonafide discharge of his/ her duties will also be prohibited once the draft rule is finalised and brought into effect.

However, occasionally publishing books on literature, drama, essays, poetry, short stories, novels or fiction without obtaining prior permission of any higher authority is allowed.

While publishing such literary works, "the officer shall not use his time and official position to influence the promotion of the sale of such articles or books as the case may be and that such publication shall not contain any objectionable matter and views criticising the policies of the government."

Regarding gifts, the draft rule says that no government servant should accept or permit any member of his family, or any other person acting on his behalf to accept any gift.

The expression gift will also include free transport, boarding, lodging or other service or any other pecuniary advantage when provided by any person other than a near relative or personal friend having no official dealing with the Government Servant.

The draft rule recommends the government servant to avoid lavish hospitality or frequent hospitality from any individual having official dealings.

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News Network
January 9,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant development, Mescom has proposed a phased electricity tariff hike starting with Rs 0.70 per unit for the fiscal year 2025-26. The proposal has been submitted to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for approval, signaling a potential increase in electricity costs for consumers.

Mescom emphasized that the current tariff structure is insufficient to meet operational expenses and manage revenue effectively. To address this, the company has invited public objections to the proposed hike.

Currently, the electricity supply cost is Rs 9.23 per unit, while the consumer tariff stands at Rs 8.53 per unit, leading to a shortfall of Rs 0.70 per unit. For the financial year 2023-24, Mescom reported revenue of Rs 5,924.73 crore against an expenditure of Rs 6,310.39 crore, resulting in a deficit of Rs 367.66 crore. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, projected revenue is Rs 5,850.81 crore, with an actual requirement of Rs 5,961.63 crore, creating a deficit of Rs 110.82 crore.

In a first, Mescom has submitted a multi-year tariff revision proposal to KERC. The plan outlines a hike of Rs 0.70 per unit for 2025-26, followed by Rs 0.37 per unit for 2026-27 and Rs 0.54 per unit for 2027-28.

"An increase in electricity tariff is inevitable," stated Jayakumar R, Managing Director of Mescom. "Mescom has submitted a proposal in this regard to KERC."

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News Network
January 13,2025

Udupi: A resident of Karkala in Udupi district has accused five individuals of defrauding him of nearly Rs 2 crore under the guise of business partnerships.

Dawood Hakim, a resident of Ennehole in Marne village, Karkala, has filed a complaint stating that he operated a mobile sales and service business on Karkala Market Road for 15 years. He had known the accused for over two decades and trusted them implicitly.

According to Dawood, the accused convinced him to invest in multiple business ventures, including land dealings and a travel business, promising substantial returns and partnership benefits. Believing their assurances, Dawood reportedly handed over cash, gold, and a vehicle.

However, the promised profits never materialized, and the accused allegedly failed to return the money or assets. Dawood claims this deception has caused severe financial distress to him and his family, amounting to a loss of around Rs 2 crore.

A case has been registered at the CEN police station, and investigations are underway.

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News Network
January 8,2025

Bengaluru: In a sweeping anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted simultaneous raids on the properties of eight government officials across eight districts on Wednesday. The raids, part of ongoing investigations into disproportionate assets cases, targeted over 20 locations linked to these officials.

According to Lokayukta sources, the coordinated operation spanned Bengaluru, Mandya, Bidar, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Gadag, Ballari, and Raichur. Properties of the following officials were under scrutiny:

Shobha – Joint Commissioner, Bengaluru Transport Department

S. N. Umesh – Health and Family Welfare Officer, Kadur

Ravindra – Inspector, Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Sub-Division, Bidar

Prakash Sridhar Gaikwad – Tahsildar, Khanapur

S. Raju – Retired RTO Officer, Tumakuru

Huchesh alias Huchappa – Assistant Executive Engineer, Gadag Municipality

R. H. Lokesh – Welfare Officer, Backward Class Department, Ballari

Huliraja – Junior Engineer (Electric), Raichur

Lokayukta officials are thoroughly examining documents, assets, cash, and other valuables found during the raids.

This operation is the Lokayukta’s first major crackdown in 2025. Notably, on December 12, the watchdog had unearthed disproportionate assets worth Rs 48.55 crore in raids on properties belonging to 10 government officials.

The Lokayukta’s intensified efforts signal its commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring accountability among government officials.

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