Saudi based Karnataka NRI Forum seeks CET quota for NRIs from state

mangalore@coastaldigest.com (CD Network)
September 10, 2014

deshpande

Mangalore, Sep 10: Karnataka NRI Forum, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has urged the Karnataka government to allow children of NRIs from states to take the common entrance test (CET) for admission to undergraduate professional courses in the State on the lines of people of Karnataka from outside the State.

A memorandum was recently submitted by Karnataka NRI Forum president Roshan Philip Rodrigues through Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo to higher education minister R V Deshpande in this regard.

According to KNRI Forum, Jeddah, there are around five million Indians working in the six GCC countries and around two million Indians working in Saudi Arabia alone. It has been proven time and again that nearly 80% of all Indians are engaged in blue collar and mediocre level jobs where the salaries are not very attractive compared to the present salary scale of government and private companies in India.

Now, with this mediocre income, when the children pass their XII standard, through Indian CBSE, Delhi, the children are not allowed to appear for the state sponsored CET tests, especially in Karnataka, not even the meritorious students. They are told that they should avail seats in professional colleges like medical and engineering under NRE quota by paying huge donations, which ranges from 75 lakhs to 1.5 crore, depending upon the college, course and the state they choose. “The economic condition of many Kannadiga NRIs, particularly working in the Gulf region is not so well as earlier, and many of them are managing hand to mouth existence. Many of them are not in a position to pay heavy capitation fee in private colleges," the Forum said.

Kerala, Maharashtra and almost all northern states allow NRI children to appear for CET exams of their states.

 President of Forum requested Mangalore MLA J R Lobo and higher education minister R V Deshpande to do all that is necessary to scrap the policy of excluding NRI students from Karnataka state CET exams and give them an equal opportunity together with local candidates to appear for CET. Let merit be the criterion for both local and NRI students and nothing else, he said.

Higher education minister R V Deshpande gave assurance of doing the needful. J R Lobo said that he will take necessary action for this cause and will be regularly in touch with the government of Karnataka for positive action.

Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah has also requested all Karnataka associations of GCC and other nations to send such memorandum through their embassies.

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News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: The long-standing demand for a separate Beary Development Corporation has hit a wall — the Karnataka government has officially stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration.

Beary-speaking people, mainly settled across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Kodagu, have been urging the government to set up a dedicated body for the welfare of their community and the promotion of their unique 1,200-year-old language. But during the recent legislative session, Minority Affairs Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan confirmed that his department has not received any proposal on this matter.

The clarification came in response to a question by MLC Ivan D’Souza, who highlighted the community’s cultural richness and a population of over 25 lakh. “The community has raised this demand several times to support education and social upliftment, but the government hasn’t taken any concrete steps,” he said.

In his reply, the minister pointed out that the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) already runs various welfare schemes for Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Parsi communities. Since Beary speakers are considered part of the Muslim community, they are eligible for benefits under these existing programs, he added.

Still, many in the Beary community feel that without a separate development body, their identity, language, and specific needs risk being overlooked.

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News Network
April 7,2025

nitin.jpg

Mangaluru, Apr 7: In a chilling and heart-wrenching turn of events from Nadugallu in Nalakuru village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a mother and son’s desperate act to end their lives has left a community in disbelief. The duo allegedly consumed rodent poison in a joint suicide attempt, resulting in the son’s death and leaving the mother in a critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Nithin, son of Kushalappa Gowda of Derappajjanamane, Nalakuru. His mother, Sulochana, is currently battling for her life in a hospital. According to sources, the incident took place three days ago, with both victims falling severely ill by the morning of April 6.

Nithin, an ITI diploma holder, had been managing his family's agricultural land. He had married Deeksha, a guest lecturer at a local college, about a year ago. At the time of the tragic incident, Deeksha was reportedly staying at her parental home. During her absence, Nithin and Sulochana allegedly consumed poison in what is believed to be a premeditated act.

Well-known in the village for his kind demeanor and strong social ties, Nithin’s untimely death has cast a shadow of grief and shock across the local community. His father, Kushalappa Gowda, is also said to be ailing.

The Subrahmanya police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to this devastating event.

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coastaldigest.com news network
April 8,2025

deepashree.jpg

Mangaluru: Meet Deepashree S, the state topper in the Commerce stream of the PU 2 exams, scoring an astonishing 599 out of 600. A student of Canara PU College, Deepashree had an inkling of success but admits the first rank was beyond her wildest dreams.

“All our doubts were cleared in the classroom itself,” she said, praising her lecturers. “Their concept-based teaching helped me understand everything thoroughly. I also made it a habit to revise daily.”

Planning her future early, Deepashree is already taking CA coaching and is all set to appear for the CA Foundation exam in May. Her next step? An integrated BCom with CA.

Daughter of Ashok S and Suma P, Deepashree is also a Carnatic classical singer, and attributes her sharp concentration to her love for music.

“Hard work matters, but yes, luck plays a part too,” she added with a wise smile — proving that success is a fine mix of talent, effort, and grace.

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