Two House panels halt 'study tours', but another holidays in Australia

December 27, 2013

Siddu
Bangalore, Dec 27: Public criticism has forced two legislature committees to put on hold their proposed 'study tour' abroad. But, nine members of another legislature committee have already landed in Australia.

They are scheduled to visit New Zealand and welcome 2014 in style at a private hotel on the Fiji Islands, where the sun rises first in the whole world. On Thursday, sources in the secretariat said that the Estimates Committee's study tour to Brazil, Argentina and Peru had been postponed indefinitely after the adverse reactions, mainly in the media, to their trip.

While the chairman of the committee Malikayya Guttedar, the Congress MLA, is reportedly not ready to yield to the pressure to scrap the 'study tour', several members in the Estimates Committee are now sceptical about going on the tour. JD(S)?MLA?Shivashankar, who till Wednesday was for the trip, on Thursday said that he was not bothered with it any more.

“I have not given any thought to the trip,” he told Deccan Herald. Guttedar remained incommunicado.

According to officials in the secretariat, the Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat Raj Committee too had obtained sanction for its 'study tour' abroad. Now, this committee - with B Sriramalu and D?K?Shivakumar as its members - has also decided to postpone its trip.

The members of the Committee on Welfare of Backward Classes and Minorities is presently 'holidaying' in Australia.

The tour of the nine members, including three officers, is on till January 5, 2014. The members have already drawn an advance of Rs 96 lakh towards the trip. The balance 10 per cent of the funds will be claimed by the members once they return. This amount is exclusive of the TA/DA which the members will claim after they return.

None in the legislature secretariat is coming forward to give information regarding the tours of the various committees, though public money is being spent on them.

It is a known fact that no legislator bothers to submit a report on the 'study tour' or at least discuss about the 'knowledge' they gain, on the floor of the House.

BSR?Congress MLA from Kudachi P?Rajeev, who is also a member of the committee, told Deccan Herald, “I?do not think it is wrong to travel abroad. MLAs who visit foreign countries gain knowledge which can be used for developing their constituencies.”

Rajeev said even he was all set to go on the tour, with the visa coming through for the three countries.

However, due to constituency-related matters, he decided to drop out at the last moment. Four other MLAs also dropped out of the 'study tour' due to personal or constituency-related matters.

Commenting on the trips, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “I have no role play in this regard. It does not come under my purview. The MLAs have taken a decision to tour and they have gone ahead with it.”

When Jagadish Shettar was the chief minister, he had cancelled the trips of certain legislature committee members as there was public criticism. He had said that due to the drought-like situation in the State, it was not right on the part of the MLAs to tour abroad.

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coastaldigest.com news network
September 16,2024

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Mangaluru, Sept 16: In a heartwarming display of communal unity, members of Hindu and Christian communities celebrated Eid Milad—marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed—by distributing sweets and refreshments to their Muslim neighbors in Dakshina Kannada.

In Boliyar, near Konaje on the outskirts of Mangaluru, members of the local organization Geleyara Balaga surprised participants in the Eid Milad procession with an offering of sweets and cold drinks. 

The gesture of goodwill was led by Manoj, Sheena Poojary, Denis Lily, Sanat, Lokanath, Satish, Praveen, Madhu, and Valentine. Abdul Rahman, the khateeb of Boliyar Juma Masjid, expressed heartfelt gratitude for this act of kindness.

In a similar display of solidarity, a group of Hindus, draped in saffron shawls, distributed sweets and drinks to those partaking in the Eid Milad procession at Mani village, Bantwal taluk.

These acts of generosity highlighted the spirit of harmony and togetherness among different communities, celebrating the true essence of the festival.

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News Network
September 19,2024

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Mangaluru, Sep 19: Following the recent Nipah virus-related fatalities in Kerala, health authorities in Dakshina Kannada are taking proactive measures to monitor for potential cases of monkey fever. While typically found in African countries, monkey fever has raised concerns within the district, prompting increased vigilance.

To ensure early detection, travelers arriving at Mangaluru’s international airport and local ports will undergo health screenings. Additionally, a dedicated ambulance has been placed on standby for any emergent cases, and Wenlock Hospital has set aside a special ward with six reserved beds specifically for monkey fever patients.

"We currently have no confirmed cases of monkey fever in Dakshina Kannada, and there are no direct orders from the state government," said Dr. Timmaiah, the District Health Officer. "However, we are taking preventive measures, including continuous screening of incoming passengers. A special meeting is also being planned to discuss future action steps."

Dr. Timmaiah further highlighted the rise in general viral infections following the region's recent shift in weather patterns. "With the decline in rainfall, we are seeing an uptick in viral cases, particularly fevers accompanied by cough, cold, and throat pain, especially in children. Though Mangaluru has experienced mostly sunny weather, occasional rain at night has contributed to the spread of illnesses. It’s crucial for the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures."

Health officials are urging residents to seek timely medical advice and follow recommended precautions to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.

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News Network
September 12,2024

Mangaluru: Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur said that as a part of the International Day of Democracy, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) will hold a 23-km long human chain and plant 1000 saplings in the Bengre area on September 15.

The human chain will be formed from Pavanje bridge to the border of Arkula, which will pass through Nanthoor Junction- Kannur Junction. The event is organised with the objective of creating awareness among the public, particularly the youth, about the significance of democracy. Around 10,000 people, particularly students, will participate in forming the human chain in the city limits, he told media persons.

He said Democratic system in India is a model to the world and we should be grateful to Dr B R Ambedkar for giving the country a beautiful constitution. To make the people, particularly the youth, aware of the Constitution and its preamble, the state government has chalked out a plan to form a mega human chain from Bidar to Chamrajnagar. As a part of it, the programme will be held in Mangaluru. Students from various schools, colleges, various organisations, NGOs should actively participate to make the event a grand success.”

The Mayor said as a part of the celebrations, an arch will be built at Pavanje bridge and Kannur Junction. The Zonal office at Surathkal will be decorated with tri colour along with KPC Circle, Nanthoor Junction, Padil Junction. The main programme will be held at Kadri Circle near Circuit House in Mangaluru, which will be attended by DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, MLAs D Vedavyasa Kamath, Dr Y Bharath Shetty, DC Mullai Muhilan MP and others. Flags will be placed for every 100 metre of the human chain stretch. The participants can click their photos and upload it through https://democracydaykarnataka.in/ to collect a certificate, added the mayor. 

The human chain will be held from Pavanje to Mukka checkpost, Mukka chepost to Mukka Junction, Mukka Junction to NITK gate, NITK gate to Tadambail Junction, Tadambail Junction to Hotel Suraj, Hotel Suraj to Govinda Dasa College, Govinda Dasa College to Kordabbu Daivasthana, Hosabettu, Kordabbu Daivasthana to Honnakatte Junction, Kulai to APMC, Baikampady, Hotel Vishwasagar to Mangaluru traffic police check post , Mangaluru traffic police check post to Panambur circle, Panambur Circle to NMPA railway track, MCF to Kuloor bridge, Kuloor bridge to Gold Finch ground, Gold Finch ground to Kottara Chowki, Kottara Chowki to BMS Hotel, BMS Hotel to SKS apartment, KPT to Saptagiri petrol bunk, Nanthoor Circle to Kaikamba, Maroli Jodukatte till Padil Circle, Padil to First Neuro Hospital – Kannur Junction, Adyar Katte to Sahyadri College, Sahyadri College to Expert Cross (Valacchil), Express Cross to Arkula border.

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