Thursday, December 23, 2010

Higher Education: Emphasis on common academic calendar

Karnataka most favourable domestic investment destination

Among the top 20 investment attracting states, Karnataka has emerged as most preferred destination with the highest share of 9.1 per cent in domestic investment plans in April-September 2010, as per 'Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India Investment Meter (AIM).' Karnataka clocked an year-on-year growth of 73.8 per cent and attracted investments of Rs 3,88,578 crore.

Uttar Pradesh acquired second spot with a growth of 75.5 per cent (y-o-y) and 4.7 per cent share of total investments in April-September 2010-11. The state attracted massive investment plans of Rs 205,189 crore during the period.
Power and services were prominent among the sectors attracting major share investment.

As per the AIM assessment report for corporate investments across states and sectors, total investment plans of India Inc increased significantly from Rs 7,971,464 crore in 2009 to Rs 10,097,472 crore during April-September, 2010. "The total investment intentions tracked in the AIM study reflects encouraging signs of pick up in investments and acceleration in the overall growth rate.

The factors such as delay in infrastructure expansion plans, hurdles in legal procedures and political instability have adversely affected the implementation of these investment projects across the states", said Assocham President Dilip Modi. Availability of rich mineral resources like coal and ironore along with cheap manpower availability helped Jharkhand rank among top three states in attracting corporate investments.

The state was ranked third on investment radar with total planned investments at Rs 2,00,141 crore having a share of 6.3 per cent in total investments in H1 of FY 2010-11. Jharkhand recorded a hike of about 45.9 per cent in overall investments over the previous year. Among the sectors manufacturing and power companies received the major proportion of investments. Gujarat and Orissa stood at fourth and fifth position by attracting investment plans worth Rs 196,305 crore and Rs 191,382 crore, respectively during in H1 of 2010-11.

ET

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

5-point development plan for State


DC Office complex @ Rajatgiri, Manipal










Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya said that based on the achievements of the State government in the last two-and-half years, the BJP government in the State is aimes to make Karnataka a progressive State through a strong Panchayat Raj system in the next five years.

Speaking after releasing the party’s manifesto for ZP and TP elections, he said the party has come out with a five-point programme for the development of rural Karnataka. This includes rural economic development through increased infrastructural facilities such as land, housing, electricity, drinking water and road development, human resource development through food, health, education and skill development, agricultural development through protection of our land, water and cattle, development of empowered society through the welfare of women and weaker sections of the society and setting up ‘Grama Bharatha Pade’ for the protection and promotion of local culture and tradition.

Dr Acharya said the work on DC Office complex is in its final stage of completion and is expected to be inaugurated on January 26. CM B S Yeddyurappa has agreed to release an additional fund of Rs 7.65 crore for the completion of work. To a query, Acharya said the BJP has made remarkable achievements during last two-and-half years of rule. The Government has total blessings of the people which have been reflected during the recent elections including bi election. “We are confident of securing more ZP and TP seats in the state in forth coming polls,” he said.

To another query, he said that all scam charges levelled against CM and some of the Cabinet colleagues by Opposition leaders were politically motivated to tarnish the image of the government. DHNS

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Udupi Utsava 2010

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Karnataka Govt to Consider Establishment of IPER in State

Click here for a bulletin from IPC2010

“Karnataka is known as the knowledge state with over 200 universities including some of the top universities in the country, and we will ensure that the pharmacists will get a better deal,”

Udupi, Dec 18: State higher education minister, Dr V S Acharya, said that the state government is considering a proposal to establish Karnataka Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (KIPER) on the model of four IPERs that are operational elsewhere in the country.

He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day 62nd ‘Indian Pharmaceutical Congress – 2010’ being held at KMC Greens in Manipal, on Friday December 17. He said that funds would be allocated in the coming budget for KIPER, planned to be made functional in 2011-12.

“Every year, 68,000 graduates come out of 1,000 pharmacy colleges in the country. Pharmaceutical experts need to give medicinal suggestions to the doctors as well as patients. The syllabi of pharmacy diploma, degree, and post-graduate studies need to be revised from time to time. All the 48 pharmacy, 98 diploma, and 20 post-graduate colleges in the state need to be upgraded to ensure better quality. However, there is a dearth of experts and high quality professors in the field of pharmacy. We will consider celebration of Pharmacist Day apart from giving awards to achievers in this field,” he promised.

President of Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi, Dr B Suresh, said that a sum of Rs 100 crore is planned to be spent towards upgradation of pharmacy colleges through the 11th finance plan. He revealed that the international conference of International Pharmaceutical Federation will be held in Hyderabad during September 2011, after a gap of 19 years.

Padma Shri B R Shetty, entrepreneur from Abu Dhabi, addressed the participants. Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA) president, S L Nasa, presided. Chancellor of Manipal University, Dr Ramadas M Pai, president of Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Gopalakrishna Murty, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India president, Prof P G Yole, Indian Pharmacy Graduates Association president, Atul K Nasa, president of All India Drug Control officers Confederation, Ravi Kant, convener of the conference, Prof N Udupa, and organizing secretary, Prof C Mallikarjun Rao, were present.

Release of souvenir, handing over of awards, and other programmes were conducted during the day.

Honorary general secretary of IPCA, A Krishnadev, presented annual report. Pro chancellor of Manipal University, Dr H S Ballal, welcomed.

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor/ Reports: Mangalorean/ Daijiworld

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Nanotech can herald revolution in diagnostics


Photos: Daya Kukkaje/ Daijiworld
MANGALORE: The real change will come when nanotechnology's potential is unleashed in the area of diagnostics and therapeutics, said higher education minister V S Acharya here.

He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day international workshop on `Applications of nanotechnology to energy, environment and biotechnology (Nano-EEB)' at St Aloysius College on Tuesday.

Recalling a lecturer's remarks during his student days that dilution and further dilution increases the potency of medicine in homoeopathy, Acharya said the developments in the last few years in microchips has shown that dilution makes a product more potent.

Dr K V Rao, scientist, the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, in his key note address, said that enhancement of quality of materials due to nanotechnology have thrown open vast opportunities in the development of new technologies.

A former alumnus of the college, Rao said nano is a technology wherein the properties of a material is significantly enhanced or become unique with respect to its bulk form. He said when particle size is reduced even metals become transparent enabling coating technologies to develop `multifunctional functional surfaces.'

The workshop is being attended by 200 scholars and scientists and will present 35 papers on various aspects of nanotechnology. TOI


Pejavara Virat Abhinandana

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Honourable President of India @ Manipal

Photos: Janardan Kodavoor

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Parthi Subba Award: Yakshagana

KASARGOD: The first Parthi Subba Award for Yakshagana instituted by the State Government was presented at a function at Kumble in Kasaragod on Sunday.

The awards were conferred on two senior artistes senior composers of Yakshagana Prasangas Prof Amrut Someshwar for 2009 and Hosthota Manjunatha Bhagawathar for 2010 respectively. The award carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a citation.

Addressing the gathering Minister for Higher Education Dr V S Acharya said that Yakshagana is one of the complete art form in coastal district. The government has been giving support to the Yakshagana.

He said the government will release Rs 200 crore for the promotion of art, culture in the state. Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy Chairman Kumble Sundar Rao presided.

Kumble is considered the birthplace of Parthi Subba, who is believed to be the doyen of Yakshagana.Mangalore University Registrar Dr K Chinnappa Gowda spoke on the achievements of the artistes. A talamaddale “Chudamani” was held. Artistes of Yakshagana Kendra, Udupi, staged “Panchavati” in Badagu Thittu style and other selected artistes performed Yakshagana “Yajna Samrakshane” in Tenku Thittu style on the occasion. DakshinTimes

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

World Konkani Convention, Mangalore

Day 11 of the Konkani Cultural Convention

State minister for higher education Dr V S Acharya was the chief guest of the day's function. Dr Acharya presented prizes to the winners of cooking competition held at Kalaangann earlier in the day.

Dr V S Acharya in his message stated that language always works as a unifying force in a society. "It is not enough if we progress in terms of better infrastructure and development in other fields. Art, culture and customs need to be preserved and promoted in equal measure. The state government has realized this and has sanctioned Rs 200 crore to the department of art and culture', Dr Acharya stated.

Dr Acharya also stated that chief minister B S Yeddyurappa will also participate in the function on December 9 where the President of India Pratibha Devisingh will be the chief guest of the Konkani Cultural Convention programme. Daijiworld/ Daya Kukkaje

Sunday, November 28, 2010

27.11.2010


Photos: Janardan Kodavoor

Awareness on Managing Disasters Vital














Udupi, Nov 28: Strategies should be evolved to efficiently face any natural or man-made disasters, said district minister-in-charge Dr V S Acharya here on Saturday, Nov 27.

He was speaking at the 'Disaster Reduction Day' observance and rally held in the TMA Pai English-medium School here. The event was jointly organized by the district home guards, civil defence, fire and emergency services units, Bharat Scouts and Guides and the Academy of General Education.

Expressing concern over the rise of terrorism and related incidence of disaster, he cited the example of Israel, which has been managing disasters efficiently and providing training to other countries.

District commandant of home guards Dr Ganapati Bhat welcomed the gathering. School headmaster A V Manjunath proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme was also marked by a demonstration by fire officer Shivappa Gowda and his team on how to rescue persons in distress and how manage fire mishaps efficiently. A rally of school-children to create and awareness on the subject was held by way of a procession from Kadiyali to Kunjibettu. (Mangalorean/ Janardan Kodavoor)

Disaster preparedness is better than disaster relief

FAQ on Karnataka leadership

Gyan Varma | 2010-11-28 00:30:00/ Sify.com

VS Acharya, Karnataka`s higher education minister, tells Gyan Varma what Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa will have to do to retain the chief ministership

What are the challenges before Yeddyurappa after the recent crisis in Karnataka?
In my opinion, the single-biggest challenge after the crisis is that he will have to carry everyone together and take into consideration every opinion. The second-biggest challenge before the government is to maintain its wafer-thin majority. The chief minister has to keep all MLAs together and make them work as a team. There are several allegations against the government and the chief minister and so there should be a concerted effort not only to limit these allegations but also to counter them by providing all facts and details to the party and to the people of the state. If Yeddyurappa is able to do these things, I think these allegations will die down.

The state government is doing a good job in terms of administration and governance and so the challenge before the chief minister is to continue the development work while simultaneously countering the political allegations.

How do you see Yeddyurappa as a person?
Yeddyurappa is a leader of the masses, very approachable. His biggest quality as a leader is that he is determined and hard working.

This was the fourth time the Karnataka chief minister was under a scanner. Why is Yeddyurappa facing turbulence repeatedly?
There are a lot of factors that caused these problems for the state government. The biggest reason is the antics of former prime minister Deve Gowda, his son HD Kumaraswamy and his other sons. This is the first time that BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is in power in the state and these people have a record of harassing anyone who is in power in the state. They cannot tolerate anybody else coming to power in a state that they have ruled for so long.

The other reason is the Congress, which is creating problems through SM Krishna. Krishna is the present foreign minister and former chief minister. The Congress is helping Krishna and its other leaders in creating problems for Yeddyurappa, as they fear his popularity. The rule of the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress was unchallenged till now, but not there is someone in the state who is very popular, which these people cannot tolerate.

Is the decision to continue with Yeddyurappa final or will his tenure be reviewed after the panchayat and taluk elections that are scheduled to take place in the coming four weeks?
I think the decision of the party high command to continue with Yeddyurappa will be reviewed from time to time. The leadership has permitted him to continue for now because he has the majority. The panchayat and taluk elections are expected in the next few days and nobody wanted to change the leadership just before the elections. In my opinion, since Yeddyurappa has been asked to stay for now, he will continue for the remaining term as well.

BJP claims it`s a party with a difference but it didn`t act against Yeddyurappa after the land scam allegation came to light. Why is it following double standards?
It`s wrong to say that the BJP leadership in Karnataka and Delhi didn`t act. Action has been taken by the chief minister. He has ordered a judicial probe into all land allotments since 1995. His family members have also returned the land. It is best to wait for the judicial probe to finish and then expect any action. The decision to announce the probe was prompt.

How real was the threat that the government could have fallen if Yeddyurappa was removed from the chief minister`s post?
The threat to the Karnataka government was real because BS Yeddyurappa is a popular leader both among the people and also with the MLAs. Most party MLAs continue to rally around him. He is control of 90-95 per cent of the MLAs. If the central leadership had decided to replace Yeddyurappa, the MLAs would not have liked it. The government was under threat.

During the meetings in Delhi, we managed to convey the feelings of the MLAs to the central leadership. There were certain allegations against him and he was called to Delhi to clarify his stand. He gave his impression of the developments and after considering the pros and cons of the situation, the central leadership decided to continue with him.

Earlier, BJP didn`t act against the Reddy brothers and now very little action has been taken against Yeddyurappa. Is BJP doing a balancing act in the state?
There is no comparison. This is not a balancing act by the central leadership. The allegations against Yeddyurappa were made by a section of political leaders in Karnataka and they are being investigated. It is not correct to say that the central leadership is doing a balancing act.

How do you think Yeddyurappa will deal with the factions in the central leadership which are unhappy with his tenure?
There is only one national executive and one core group in BJP. All the leaders sit together and take decisions. The decision has been taken that Yeddyurappa will remain the chief minister. We are in touch with party President Ntitin Gadkari and other leaders at the Centre.

Friday, November 26, 2010

‘The alleged scams in Karnataka are small change’

interview by G Vishnu/ Tehelka (Excerpts from Tehelka)

You arrived in New Delhi before Yeddyurappa did to meet with National Executive members. We hear that this was to prepare the ground support for Yeddyurappa.
There is gross misunderstanding of the situation in Delhi. We have come here to clarify things, to correct the picture. There was a lot of confusion and anxiety over land obtained from the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), which facilitates land for entrepreneurs. The Chief Minister himself has said that if there have been illegalities, they will be rectified. He offered to return some land and he did.

There is a tradition of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) availing land under the G category. Yeddyurappa was only following in others’ footsteps. Everybody pounced on us, saying that it is a crime to have allotted plots to MPs who already own property in Bengaluru. Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) MPs have manipulated this in far worse ways, even as they had 4-5 houses in the city. There might have been improprieties. When Congress leader Dharam Singh and JD (S) supreme HD Deve Gowda were in power, they distributed land amongst several relatives. They have no moral ground to sling mud. On what ground does Deve Gowda cry foul? This is just dirty politics. Two years back, they betrayed us on the seat-sharing agreement. What credibility do these parties have? If you expose the deeds of JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, when he was running a minority government, the list of illegalities will be skyhigh. Kumaraswamy is the villain in this story. He can never be the hero.

If this was the case, why do you think there’s been such an unprecedented uproar in the media as well as the civil society?
The media is acting as if they do not know anything that happened in the past. It is getting very selective in reporting on the BJP. There might have been mistakes, errors in judgement, but to highlight only our mistakes is vicious. Is it just? Is it dharma? Let’s talk about everyone’s mistakes.

In the last two years, this is the third time the government has come close to falling. Report after report highlights various scams…
Our time is not right. Maybe it’s our fate that every year we have to be plagued by one allegation or another. Perhaps it’s only when we are plagued by allegations that we are alert. I need to say this, specifically to media organisations like TEHELKA; in a democracy, elections decide the popularity and the strength of a government. We have faced seven types of elections in the last three years. We have won every single time - from Lok Sabha elections to local panchayat elections. And the opposition parties cannot tolerate our popularity. Why don’t you (media) understand this? Look at the popular sentiment in Karnataka. People are happy with this government.

What about the infighting within the party? Hasn’t it gotten a little too ugly? Dissidents within BJP are brazenly attacking the government. First the Reddy brothers, now Ananth Kumar…
First of all, everybody is happy with Yeddyurappa’s governance. He has been an efficient chief minister. Today we are in second place in the country as far as development is concerned, next only to Gujarat. As for the dissidents, they are just a handful in number. For instance, I asked the BJP president Nitin Gadkari if anybody from the national executive body had asked Yeddyurappa to resign. He completely denied it. He said this drama is because of media speculation. Now the media don’t make up things on their own. Of course, there are insiders who are stoking the fire for their own reasons. We ourselves are looking for answers. If it’s not the dissidents, we will just blame the media for this brouhaha. The immediate stand within the party is to save the party, save the government and save the image of the party. Everything will be done to that end.

So politically speaking, what are the corrective measures the party wants to take up?
The question of corrective measures arises when there is something wrong. There is nothing wrong in the party. However, what we can do is leave the past behind and concentrate on efficient administration and development. Be it government or corporate sector, there’s always scope for improvement. It’s a competitive world. If we can send a green signal to the Centre that everything in Karnataka is fine, things will be fine.

Most observers have commented saying that BJP has no moral ground to cry foul on Congress’ 2G scam. The mining scam in Karnataka is often quoted…
What mining scam are you talking about? We are the first government in the country to have stopped export of iron ore. It is very clear. As soon as we got the first report from Lokayukta, we changed our mining policy immediately.

2G scam is one of the biggest national level scams. Please don’t compare it with this…It’s a fraud that puts to shame even the Bofors scandal. All the alleged scams in Karnataka are small change compared to the earthquake of 2G spectrum scam.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

13.11.2010


Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Acharya to meet V-Cs, registrars next week

BANGALORE: Higher education minister V S Acharya has convened a meeting of all vice-chancellors and registrars coming under the jurisdiction of his department on November 16.

Amendment to the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000, financial health of the varsities and their immediate problems will be the top agenda for the meeting. This is the first time that Acharya, after taking charge as higher education minister, will be meeting university officials.

The issue of splitting Bangalore University into 2 or 3 smaller universities will also come up for discussion. The higher education department will seek the opinion of all V-Cs on amending the KSU Act in accordance with the University Grants Commission regulations. Governor H R Bharadwaj, who is also chancellor of all universities, has asked the chief minister to amend the state act in line with UGC regulations. (TOI)

11.11.2010

Inauguration of Renovated Office of Karnataka Secretariat Cooperative Society
on
11th November 2010

CM BS Yediyurappa with Minister Dr VS Acharya and MLA Ramachandra Gowda inaugurating renovated office room of Karnataka Secretariat Cooperative Society at Vidhana Soudha, in Bangalore on Thursday 11th Nov 2010

Photo courtesy : pics4news.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Website to help students get jobs, find colleges

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), which conducts common entrance test for engineering, medical and dental courses, will launch a comprehensive website offering information on colleges and job options.

Higher education minister V S Acharya who visited the KEA on Wednesday directed the authority to come out with a new portal integrating the placement cell, department of pre-university education and college information.

"The existing website of the KEA is run by the National Informatics Centre. We will start working on an independent website which will have information pertaining to admissions, exams, results, facilities at colleges and also job openings," KEA administrative officer S P Kulkarni said.

The newly set up placement cell at KEA already has 429 engineering students in 31 companies. Around 3,000 BE students have registered with the cell seeking job assistance.

The seat-selection process for CET will be expanded to more cities depending on the number of applicants next year. At present, the process is held in Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, Gulbarga and Shimoga. There is a proposal to start counselling in Bellary from next year. KEA will also take up counselling for B.Ed and D.Ed courses, Acharya said.

TENTATIVE DATES FOR CET 2011: KEA has announced the tentative dates for next year's CET. The exam will be held on April 27 and 28, 2011. The authority will now write to different examination conducting bodies to ensure that the dates do not clash with other entrance exams. The final notification will, however, be issued only in February, 2011. TOI

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Quota for OBCs in ZPs to be reworked

The Hindu

Another ordinance restoring status quo ante to be sent to Governor

Number of seats set apart for OBCs in some ZPs has been reduced drastically. SEC issued a notification on Monday prescribing ward-wise reservation

Bangalore: The State Government, in view of the outcry by Opposition parties against the reduction of seats for other backward classes (OBCs) in zilla panchayats, has decided to issue another ordinance to restore the status quo ante on the number of seats set apart for them.

A meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday decided to submit the ordinance to Governor H.R. Bhardwaj for approval, yielding to the demand of the Opposition, which has been crying foul about the move. The earlier ordinance was promulgated about a month ago, based on which the State Election Commission issued a notification on Monday highlighting the reservation of seats set apart for various categories: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and women.

Briefing presspersons on the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting, Minister for Higher Education V.S. Acharya and Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S. Suresh Kumar said the Government would opt for a fresh ordinance on Wednesday to maintain the existing reservation for OBCs (before the October 4, 2010 ordinance was issued). Consequently, the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act will be amended in the next session of the State legislature.

What has upset the Opposition parties is the drastic reduction in the number of seats set apart for OBCs in some zilla panchayats. For instance, in the Raichur and Chitradurga zilla panchayats, the number of seats for OBCs had been reduced from 10 to two. In all, the ordinance had resulted in the number of seats for OBCs declining from 334 to 223, roughly working out to a 30 per cent reduction.

The existing ordinance and the notification issued by the State Election Commission based on it will be operative till the Governor decides to promulgate the fresh ordinance.

Dr. Acharya and Mr. Kumar said that keeping in mind the Supreme Court's order to limit the reservation to 50 per cent (for OBCs, SCs, and STs) the Government issued the first ordinance. But this had reduced the number of seats for OBCs. Apart from amending the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, the Government, if need be, would approach the Supreme Court to safeguard the interest of the OBCs, the Ministers said.

Notification

The State Election Commission on Monday issued a notification prescribing ward-wise reservation for various categories for the forthcoming zilla panchayat elections. The commission earlier issued a notification on October 18 determining the total number of seats reserved for different categories in each of the zilla and taluk panchayats.

Several leaders of the backward class, including president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee G. Parameshwar, have taken exception to the reservation matrix, which has reduced the total number of seats reserved for the backward classes. With the Government deciding to opt for another ordinance to rectify the lapse, the preparations for the panchayat elections are likely to be delayed.

Karnataka okays second phase of Bangalore Metro:

Bangalore: The Karnataka government late on Tuesday approved the second phase of the Bangalore Metro project (51 km) at a cost of a whopping Rs.14,774 crore (Rs.147.74 billion).

'The cabinet has given approval for the second phase of the Namma Metro comprising 51 km at a cost of Rs.14,774 crore by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), which is executing the first phase of 42.5km at a cost of Rs.11,609 crore,' Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya told reporters here.

The second phase will be built at five places across this tech hub, with the state government contributing Rs.6,395 crore as its share to the ambitious project.

The balance Rs.8,379 crore will be shared by the central government and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation through a long-term credit.

'The detailed project report has been submitted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRCL). The project cost has been revised from the estimated Rs.5,453 crore in 2005-06 due to overall increase in the cost of construction at the prevailing rates,' Acharya said after the cabinet meeting.

The second phase of the metro route will operate from Mysore Road to Kengeri (7.7km), Baiyappanahalli to International Technology Park Ltd (ITPL) at Whitefield (11.6km), Hesaraghatta to Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on Tumkur road (4.2km), Puttenahalli Cross to Anjanapura (6.7km) and from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Bannerghatta to Nagavara, a distance of 21.1km.

The first phase is under implementation by the state-run BMRCL, a special purpose vehicle floated by the state government with equity participation by the central government.

The state and central governments have 15 percent equity state each in the metro project.

The East-West corridor connecting Baiyappanahalli to Mysore Road terminal covers 18.1km and the North-South corridor from Hessaraghatta to Puttenahalli covers 23.7km.

The first phase is scheduled to be completed by September 2012. Out of the 42.3km, 8.8km will be underground near City Railway Station, Vidhana Soudha, Majestic and City Market and the rest will be elevated.

'The first reach between Baiyappanahalli and the Cricket Stadium on M G Road will be completed by December 2010. The second phase of the project will be taken up simultaneously with the first phase, Acharya added.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

The Bitter Truth: bias of The Hindu (Mangalore) reporting exposed!

Here is a sample of "news manufacture"

Our post on 12th February 2009

in spite of the judgement by the honourable First Additional Sessions judge, The Hindu continues to stick to its own "news manufacturing"! (even TOI does the same, almost bordering onto contempt of court!)

God save us from mediamen with ideological leanings,involved in propaganda!

Please show your displeasure, direct your comments to readerseditor@thehindu.co.in

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Rajyotsava Speech 2010: excerpts

The State government has prepared a draft legislation to solve the issue related to Moolageni (original allottee) in the district, said Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya.

DHNS/ Photo Janardan Kodavoor

Speaking at the 55th Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at Ajjarkadu district Stadium on Monday, he said there was no declaration under Land Reforms Act for Moolageni. To solve the problems related to Moolageni, a draft legislation has been prepared. The documents will be simplified by the revenue department.

Dr Acharya said that the government is planning to take steps to provide permanent lease of land for cashew cultivation in the state. As many as 492 ST beneficiaries have been given title deeds under Forest Rights Act in the district.

The minister said that the state government has taken measures to promote Kannada culture, language and arts. It has increased annual grants to Rs 200 crore from Rs 15 crore for the promotion of Kannada, culture and arts. Similarly the annual grants to various academies have also been increased to Rs 40 lakh from Rs 10 lakh. The annual grant given to Kannada Development Authority has been increased to Rs 6 crore from Rs 30 lakhs to support Kannada literature and language, he added. Measures have been taken by the government to introduce Tulu, as an optional language from sixth standard in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Udupi is known for linguistic harmony where Kannada, Tulu, Konkani and Beary languages co-exist without leaving room for linguistic friction, he added.

Malpe port: Dr Acharya said that Rs 37.75 crore has been released for the 3rd phase development of Malpe port. A sum of Rs 3.10 crore has been earmarked for the renovation of Hangarakatte fisheries harbour and Rs 3 crore for Kodikanyana wharf. The government has already released a sum of Rs 255 lakh for the repair of roads coming under fisheries department, he added. Police, NCC, Scouts and Guides and Seva Dal from eight schools took part in the march past. As many as 24 persons and institution were conferred District Rajyotsava awards on the occasion. A grand procession of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari was held from Board High School to the district stadium. As many as ten tableaux with replicas of Halebeedu Ganapathy, Halebeedu, Lord Bahubali, Gol Gumbaz, Madikeri Fort, Pattadakallu and famous adventurous spot of Yana in Uttar Kannada, Mysore palace, Jog falls and Murudeshwar were part of the show. Yakshagana, Gumte Kangeelu were seen.


Monday, November 1, 2010

1992: 12th Place, 2010: 2nd Place Karnataka Marches ahead in Development!

Udupi, Nov 1: Accepting the challenge by the union law minister M Veerappa Moily to have a survey/review to bring out the truth of actual funds spent by the state government for the grants released by the central government towards union government sponsored programme, the Higher Education minister Dr V S Acharya on Monday November 1 said that the state government was ready for such a survey.

Replying to the criticism made by Moily on Saturday October 30 at Nitte that the second position given to Karnataka was not really a “Certificate” for the achievements in the developmental activities but only for spending the central grants whereas it's actul utilization will be known only when a survey will be conducted, Dr Acharya asserted that the state which was in 12th position in 1992 had today attained the second position in the entire country after Gujarat state in the successful implementation of 20 point programme of poverty alleviation.

“A small portion of grant had been given by the centre, while the state government has on its own had launched several innovative programmes. On the other hand, he said that the centre was yet to release grants under Rural Development (RD) programme. He said that for the first time in the country, the BJP government in the state had this year made available a whopping allocation of Rs 10,503 crore in the education sector. It had also attained the first position in terms of plan expenditure through mobilization of resources without taxing which was at 11 percent of GPDP.

He also stressed the need that besides, awareness about new aspects like financial literacy, computer literacy, web literacy, legal literacy and energy literacy, we need to have cultural and religious literacy to know about the cultural growth of Karnataka.

Referring to power situation, he said that Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) near Padubidri in the district, in its first stage of production had already producing 600 MW power. In the second stage, expected to be commenced by the end of December this year, an additional 600 MW would be added. Out of the total power produced by the UPCL, 10 percent production would be passed on to the national grid and remaining would be supplied to the MESCOM covering four revenue districts.

He said that there was an estimated loss of Rs 28 lakh due to the torrential rains that hit the district during the three days from October 21 to 23 which had severely damaged all major roads and National Highway. The district administration had already received Rs. 8 crore to take up the repair works. He said he had also specially asked the National Highway Authorities to take up the repair works at the earliest along with the ongoing work of construction of new bridges and culverts on the four lane project between Suratkal and Kundapur. Funds had also been released for the Rs 45 crore widening of Padubidri-Karkala (from 7.5 mt to 15.5 mt).

The revenue department had also given its approval for widening work between Kalsanka and Kallianpur
road, he added. The minister said that the work on the Rs 27 crore district administration complex at Manipal under the completion stage and planned to inaugurate by the end of December. In all Rs 22 crore had already been released, he said and added that a proposal is also before the government for the
construction of Circuit House in Udupi and Mangalore at the cost of Rs 3 crore.

Karnataka Rajyotsava 2010

Udupi, Nov 1: Kannada Rajyotsava celebration was held at Board High School ground here on Monday November 1. The district-in-charge minister Dr V S Acharya offered puja to Bhuvaneshwari – patron goddess of Karnataka on the occasion.

Minister Acharya hoisted the Kannada flag at the Mahatma Gandhi municipal ground, Ajjarkad, here and accepted the guard of honour from district police force, NCC and Scouts and Guides among others.

Meanwhile, the district Rajyotsav Awards were presented to 22 distinguished personalities for the outstanding services in their respective spheres.

The cultural programmes were staged by the students of various schools during the programme. Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, deputy commissioner Hemalata P, superintendent of police Praveen Madhukar Pawar, town councilor Kiran Kumar, Udupi Urban Development Authority chairman Sudhakar Shetty,
taluk panchayat president Shyamala Sudhakar, zilla panchayat president Gladys D’Almeida and zilla panchayat chief executive officer Rajashekar among others were present.

Karnataka reigning administration conferred state Rajyotsav Awards to seven outstanding individuals from Udupi district, for their remarkable contributions or achievements in their respective field or chosen career: Ashwini (sports), Gopal Kharvi (swimming), Barkur Shantaram Shetty (Kambala), Bhasker Kogga Kamath (puppet show), Bhadragiri Sarvottam Das (drama), Mogaveer Yuva Sanghatane (blood donation) and Bannanje Sanjeev Suvarna (Yakshagana guru) were the recipients of the state Rajyotsava award.

Report by Daijiworld
Photos by Janardan Kodavoor

Karantha Kalagrama, Scouts & Guides Camp Site Inaugural

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor
Report: Daijiworld

Udupi, Nov 1: The state minister for higher education, Dr V S Acharya inaugurated Suvarna cultural building complexes, constructed by Kannada culture department at Dr Shivaram Karant Heritage Village, Alevoor, near here on Monday November 1.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Acharya said that the first phase of the project has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore. It is inclusive of a new auditorium of Kannada and culture department, an art gallery, a library and administrative offices.
The heritage village has been developed on a 63 acre plot by incorporating the projects that were of much importance to Dr Shivaram Karant. In order to carry out continuous programmes at the Heritage Village, the taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat, district administration, scouts and guides would be allowed to conduct their programmes. A four-acre plot has been set aside for scouts and guides.

Further, to carry out the next phase of works, Rs 32 lac will be approved under MLA’s funds, said Dr Acharya. The deputy commissioner Hemalata P, zilla panchayat president Gladys D’Almeida, zilla panchayat member Upendra Nayak, Karnataka state guides commissioner Shanta V Acharya were present on the dais.

Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon presided. Kannada and cultural assistant director R S Dalavai welcomed the gathering.