PM Modi attacks Congress in RS for emergency; says BJP wants a New India

Agencies

February 7, 2018

New Delhi, Feb 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a scathing attack on the Congress saying while it still wanted an "old India" marked by Emergency, scams and violence against Sikhs, while his party wanted to create a 'New India'.

He also sought the opposition's cooperation in the passage of the OBC Bill and the triple talaq bill, besides holding a constructive discussion on holding simultaneous polls to Parliament and state assemblies.

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on President's address in the Rajya Sabha, he said the slogan of 'Congress-mukt Bharat' was not coined by him but by Mahatma Gandhi who after independence wanted the Congress party to be disbanded as there was no need for it.

"You don't need 'New India', but the India of Emergency, Bofors and chopper scams.

"We want Mahatma Gandhi's India as he had said there is no need for Congress now. The slogan of 'Congress-mukt Bharat' is not Modi's idea, it was given by Mahatma Gandhi," he said amid thumping of desks by BJP members.

The prime minister recalled the words of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi after then prime minister Indira Gandhi's death and said the party wanted an India in which thousands of innocent Sikhs were done to death.

"'When a big tree falls'...you remember these lines. Is this the India the Congress wants," he asked.

Modi said that his party was "aim chaser" who achieve targets within time limits, as he retorted to the Congress on its charge of being a "name changer" by changing names of various schemes launched by the previous UPA government.

"You call us name changers....we are aim changers - we work hard and have ushered in a paradigm shift in the working of the Government. Innovative projects are being thought about and completed in a time bound manner," he said.

Responding to criticism over his Davos visit, Modi said, "I also went to Davos, you also went to Davos. But the difference is - you went with a letter to save someone."

Modi also raised the issue of holding simultaneous polls and said thousands of crores have been spent in conducting polls and so much time and energy goes into holding them and asked whether a country like India can afford it.

He sought the opposition's cooperation in working out a solution in this regard.

Talking about the Congress claim that it had brought Aadhaar, he said, "Let me remind them about a debate in the Rajya Sabha in 1998 and what L K Advani Ji said. It is in his speech that you will find the genesis of Aadhaar."

Modi wondered why some people felt bad when India improves its ease of business rankings.

He said the government was always looking for suggestions, feedback and input on its schemes. "After all, we are working for the nation and the poor," he said.

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Tourism dept to enforce stringent pool and beach safety guidelines in coastal Karnataka

News Network

November 19,2024

In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

Clearly displaying pool depths.
Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
Establishing clear pool operating hours.
Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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