Priority is to bring covid-19 under control, reduce death rate in Karnataka: New Health Minister

coastaldigest.com news network
October 12, 2020

Bengaluru, Oct 12: K Sudhakar, who will take over over as the Health Minister of Karnataka amidst his predecessor B Sriramulu’s failure to handle covid-19 situation, today said that he would focus on bringing Covid-19 under control and work towards decreasing the fatality rate in the state. 

“My first priority is to bring Covid-19 under control, reduce death rate and make sure people get easy treatment,” said Mr Sudhakar, who also holds medical education portfolio.

According to Sudhakar, the Health and Medical Education Departments are interrelated. “Technically, they are one. It was to be handled by one person. But, in 2000, the two departments were separated as the then Cabinet had too many members. That has been set right now,” he said. 

Sudhakar said Sriramulu was not sulking as he is likely to get social welfare portfolio. “He’s not disappointed. Social welfare is a big department with an outlay of over Rs 25,000 crore. I believe he wanted this portfolio in the past,” Sudhakar said. 

Sriramulu, who already holds the backward classes welfare portfolio, is expected to take up social welfare that is currently handled by Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol. Apparently, making Sriramulu in charge of social welfare is being seen as a politically-significant move as he belongs to the ST (Valmiki) community and will be able to connect with them directly. 

A formal notification on the change in portfolios is expected later in the day.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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News Network
March 21,2025

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly on Friday passed Bills doubling the salaries of the chief minister, ministers, and legislators, adding an annual burden of ₹62 crore on the exchequer.

The CM's monthly salary will increase from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, while ministers will see a 108% hike, from ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh. MLAs and MLCs will get ₹80,000 per month, up from ₹40,000, and their pension will rise from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.

The Karnataka Ministers Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill and the Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances (Amendment) Bill were passed without debate, as the Opposition BJP protested in the well of the House.

The Bills cited the rising cost of living as justification for the hike. The Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council chairperson will now receive ₹1.25 lakh per month, up from ₹75,000.

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News Network
March 27,2025

nandini.jpg

The Karnataka government has announced that Nandini milk will become ₹4 costlier per litre starting April 1, 2025. This is the second price hike this year.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna and Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh said the increase is meant to support dairy farmers by covering the rising costs of producing and processing milk.

Officials also said that:

>> The extra money from the price hike will go directly to the milk producers.

>> The earlier ₹2 price hike (announced on June 26, 2024) will be withdrawn.

>> The new price hike of ₹4 will apply to both 500 ml and 1-litre packets.

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