Home Minister happy over Rs 3500 crores revenue from Homes Registry

Arasikere : In the last 2 years, the state govt has registered 63 lakhs of properties (like houses or plots) to collect Rs 3,500 crores of revenue, said a beaming Home Minister, Dr. V.S. Acharya, while inaugurating a new registry office at Banavara here.
Dr. Acharya in his address said that Rs. 4000 crores income was expected in the last budget and received, for which he thought that strict application rules by the state was responsible, but now with a favourable response from owners the rules would be simplified, he added.
He opined that in every village or small town, at least 50 young / women should have jobs in rural industrials areas, to help wide range of developmental works such Industrial enterprises are now encouraged by the state govt, he told his listeners.
Many unfinished goals in the last 63 years are now taken up in the last 2 years (of BJP rule) and efforts are made to achieve them one by one in the next 3 years. Even when BJP was on opposition benches, certain schemes were put before the rulers, and they have been completed in these 2 years, which is a satisfying achievement. But we cannot rest on our oars or become complacent, as a lot more work is pending now.
The govt wants Karnataka to be no.1 state in India by completing tasks ahead in 3 years, the Home Minister insisted. He sought people’s willing co-operation to attain the other goals. MLA K.M Shivalinge Gowda who presided, in his speech told all that it is not proper to demand resignation of an elected govt every time. Certain BJP men hold done only that in all these years, he pointed out in displeasure. Certain local needs were bring met, he added.
Several local officials and Panchayat leaders were present in the function at the new registry office. (BJPKarnataka)

2008 Bangalore Serial Bomb Blast: Accused accepts his role

Bangalore Aug 24 (PTI): Interrogation of PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani, an accused in the 2008 serial bomb blasts here, has revealed his role, home minister VS Acharya said today. "Inquiry (in the 2008 bomb blasts) is in progress. We are confident that we will get the full information (on the conspiracy)", Acharya told reporters here when asked about the update on the interrogation of Madani. Acharya indicated that police might seek extension of the custody of Madani, who was arrested by a Karnataka police team in Kerala on August 17. He was remanded in police custody by a Bangalore magistrate till August 26. "He is (currently) on a dawn-to-dusk fast (Ramzan). So, interrogation is in between", he said. Acharya did not give much details on the probe involving Madani, adding that his ministry does not interfere in criminal investigation and it was not proper to comment when it was in progress. He said a police team is carrying out investigation independently and they are free to take the assistance of anybody in their probe. Madani was taken to Hosathota in Somwarpet Taluk in Kodagu district for further investigation last week for exploring his alleged links there.

The PDP leader was also an accused in the 1998 serial bomb blasts that rocked Coimbatore ahead of an election meeting to be addressed by senior BJP leader LK Advani, leaving 58 people dead and injuring over 200. He was acquitted in the case by the trial court, due to the political interference by anti national political parties and involvement of some corrupt elements in the judicial process.

2010 Stadium Blast: Media misquotes HM, creates a bigger news than the accused accepting his role in 2008 blasts! Another example for "news manufacture" for sidelining a major breakthrough.

Karnataka HM, Dr Acharya denied he had made such a statement (regarding the Stadium blasts) and blamed media for misquoting him. "There's thorough confusion on the media's part. I was asked about Madani's role in the blast and I said the twin bomb blasts were carried out by some extremists and Mujahideen groups at the betting lobby's instance. Investigation is still in progress on Madani," he said. He denied stating Madani had links with some Karnataka politicians. "We are yet to find that," he added.

Bangalore Police commissioner Mr Bidari said Acharya's statement was misunderstood by media. "After seeing media reports, I called on the home minister for a clarification. He told me he didn't talk about Madani's involvement in stadium blast. There must have been a misunderstanding," he added. On stadium blasts, Bidari said a separate probe was being carried out by city police. "At this moment, focus is on 2008 serial blasts in which investigation is in final stages. Once it's completed, the focus will shift to the other investigation," he said.

Centre playing dirty politics

BANGALORE August 24, 2010: Karnataka Home Minister V S Acharya on Tuesday said some of the Bills, including the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime, which were forwarded to the President are yet to get assent even though they were sent a long ago. In this communication age, clarification, if needed, could be asked from the State government quickly. “They are harrying us (in giving assent),” Dr Acharya said.

Meanwhile, he defended the ruling BJP’s move to launch a state-wide agitation to put pressure on President Pratibha Patil to give her assent to the anti-cattle slaughter bill by rejecting the contention of Governor H R Bhardwaj.

He told reporters here that the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010, which was passed by both Houses of the State Legislature. But the Bill has been rejected by the Governor.

The Bill was forwarded to the President by Mr Bhardwaj for her assent.

Dr Acharya pointed out that same kind of legislation is in place in seven other States and legislations more or less on the same lines are also in force in many states. How correct on the part of the Governor to create a controversy against this Bill? he asked.

On the Governor regretting the campaign, Acharya said it was meant to mobilise public opinion. In a democracy, any party has a right to inform the people. "There is a need to put forth our view before the people...Otherwise, people may think we have done something which was not in our power to do," he said.

In a majority opinion, the Supreme Court judgment ( R C Lahoti) in 2005 also supported the ban on cow slaughter. What the Centre’s problem in providing assent to the Bill, he asked.

However, Governor in Chamarajanagar on Monday regretted the political campaign planned by the ruling BJP on the issue and expressed the view that the Bill would have a bearing on the food habits of the people.

Dr Acharya said father of the Indian Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar too had opposed cow slaughter since the holy cow provides food and the animal is part of Hindu culture.

The ruling BJP has decided to launch a state-wide agitation from September one to press for its demand. Demonstrations would be held in all 224 assembly segments till September five. On September 6, a day-long dharna would be held here where Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, state BJP President K S Eshwarappa and office-bearers of all constituencies would participate.

GST

He said the implementation of goods and services tax (GST) system from April 1, 2011 is likely to result into a revenue loss of Rs 6,000 crore to the State, said Home Minister V S Acharya.

He said the government has asked the Centre for introducing the new tax system with revenue neutral tax rates, so that the buoyancy in tax collection is maintained. Presently, the state government has two slabs of 5 per cent and 13.5 per cent under the Value Added Tax (VAT) system of taxation. Under the proposed GST system there will be two slabs of 6 per cent and 10 per cent. This means there would be a revenue loss of Rs 6,000 crore, he said.

(Mangalorean)

23.08.2010: CM @ Mangalore

B S Yeddyurappa said that the development in the state seen in the past two-and-a-half years is the fastest so far in the state's history.He was speaking at the district development programme organized at the Town hall on Monday August 23 here to give a complete report of the development projects. He said that the incident of beggars' death at rehabilitation centre in Bangalore showed that we still live in pre-independent era and at the same time it is heartening to note the pace at which the Mangalore city is developing becoming a role model for others to follow. (report & more photos:Daijiworld)

Citizen Activism: sign of healthy democracy!

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22.08.2010: Udupi

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

21.08.2010: Udupi photo album

Photo Courtesy: Janardan Kodavoor

Acharya to journos: Go easy on the cops

Aug. 17: Home minister V.S. Acharya on Tuesday made an unusual request to the media: Don’t haul cops over the coal as it will demoralise them.

Speaking after inaugurating a new building of the district home guards training centre here, he said the media should motivate policemen to work with enthusiasm instead of criticising them through news reports for even the small mistakes that they may commit.

He said police personnel were like “Lord Hanuman”, “endowed with a lot of energy to do several things at the same time”. Therefore, the media should awaken their strength by encouraging them instead of criticising them.

“There is a need to infuse confidence among the policemen and encourage every step that they have taken for a good cause as they are expected to work day and night,” he said.

Hinting that the state government will introduce a group insurance facility for personnel of home guards department, Dr Acharya said the government is likely to hike the honorarium for the personnel. (Deccan Chronicle)

17.08.2010: Tumkur

Progress report: Dr V S Acharya as Home Minister

Apart from Modernization of Karnataka Police, Fire and Emergency Services, here are the major milestones of Dr V S Acharya as Home Minister, Karnataka

1.New Police Stations: 32 police stations are sanctioned/ 27 police stations have commenced functioning.

2. Housing projects for Police: Under Accelerated Residential Housing Plan 743 houses constructed/ 1659 houses construction in progress

3. Allowance revision of Police: Weekly-off allowance enhanced from Rs.50/- to Rs.100/-

4. New personnel recruited: Recruitment process of 400 Police Sub Inspectors/ Recruitment process of 4342 Police Constables is in progress.

5. Promotion: Constables who did not get promotion for 18 years are given promotion. 969 Civil Police Constables and 2396 Armed Police Constables were promoted.

6. Police Welfare: Rs.1Crore is sanctioned for construction of building for Muthanna Memorial Police Residential School for Children at Dharwad.

Benevolent Fund is raised from Rs.50 lakhs to Rs.1Crore.

Other Posts:

In tune with the times, Effective Policing, Fire Safety, Firestations in all Taluks, Recruitment drive for Fire & emergency services, Home Guards

Malpe gets a unique Gandhiji statue

(Daijiworld/ Janardan Kodavoor/ Pic: Dr VSA with Artist Purushotham Adve)

15.08.2010: Independence Day

Udupi, Aug 15: The district administration celebrated the country's 64th Independence Day at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium, Ajjarkad here on Sunday August 15.

Home minister and district in-charge Dr V S Acharya hoisted the flag.

Speaking on the occasion Acharya said that chief minister B S Yeddurappa has already granted Rs 2 crore for Udupi Bellampalli and Kukkehalli bridge. Work on Hejamadi Bunder development has also been undertaken, he added. After the success of the global investors meet, ACC Cement Industries has already invested Rs 280 crore on its project. Hydro power project with 8 mega watt power will be started at Kundapur with a grant of Rs 45.54 crore. As far as employment opportunities are concerned, 30 members were granted jobs at Padubidri JCB Centre, he said.

Acharya said that the government has released Rs 16 crore for all the other developmental projects and 6,016 applications have been received in this regard. Sanskrit university has also started functioning. The state and the district are heading towards development under the efficient governance of B S Yeddurappa, he added.

Statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated at Ajjarkad on the occasion.

Award for the students who won in various competitions were handed over by Dr V S Acharya, and cultural competitions were arranged in the stadium.

Udupi-Chikmagalur MP and former state president of BJP D V Sadananda Gowda, MLA K Raghupahi Bhat, taluk panchayat president Shyamala Sudhakar, City Development Authority president Sudhakar Shetty, superintendent of police Pravin Madhukar Pawar and zilla panchayat chief executive officer Rajashaker were among the guests present. (Daijiworld/ Janardan Kodavoor)

Down the memory lane: Udupi Municipal Council 1968

Udupi CMC turns 75

As Udupi CMC ushers into a new era, celebrating its platinum Manjushree G Naik (DHNS) retrospects the path marched by CMC

Udupi City Municipal Corporation is on the landmark of celebrating its platinum jubilee celebrations this year. Set up on April 1, 1935, the CMC has seen many ups and downs. Udupi CMC has a long treasured pre independence history. The then Madras government declared Udupi Town Municipal Corporation open with mere 7 villages under its jurisdiction. It was later transformed into City Municipal Corporation in the year 1995 with 35 wards under its jurisdiction and a population of 17,251. The TMC held the polls for its first President in the year 1936 and Advocate Arooru Laxminarayan Rao, a Congressman was elected in the polls. TMC started working in the Taluk Board building with 12 wards in the beginning. The transition The transition phase for the TMC began in 1969 under the leadership of the then President Dr V S Acharya. Many innovative ideas were introduced during his time. Dr V S Acharya adorned the post for two terms from 1969 to 1977. Dr Acharya’s remarkable decision of banning human scavengers bagged him huge appreciation and recognition. During his period, measures to develop drinking water facilities was introduced. The foundation stone for new building of TMC was performed by the then President V V Giri. Many basic civic amenities were introduced. Many traffic circles and bus shelters were built. For the first time in the history of Udupi, the concept of underground drainage system was introduced during this period. Innovative financial ideas were adopted by Dr Acharya. The idea of street lights, sanitation, health and other basic infrastructural facilities were slowly initiated. Swarna drinking water project started working in the year 1972. Udupi TMC has been awarded twice with sanitation honour between 1984 and 1989. M Somashekhar Bhat was the president during these years. TMC celebrated its silver jubilee celebrations under the presidentship of Dr K L Aithal in 1960. The golden jubilee celebrations were held in 1984. The transformation of TMC to CMC extended the limits of CMC to 68.23 kms in the year 1995 as against 9.6 kms of its control. Leena Christina Isaac became the first president of Udupi City Municipal Corporation. Mega projects Between 1997 and 2001, Udupi CMC undertook many development programmes. Mega projects introducing all round infrastructural development of the city were initiated with the investment of crores of rupees. The financial assistance was offered by Asian Development Bank under Karnataka City Development and Coastal Maintenance Project. Anandi was the president at this time. The concept of civic infrastructural amenities like drinking water, underground drainage system, housing facilities, health and sanitation were given additional progress along with new development programmes like parking lots, commercial complexes, measures boosting tourism ventures etc. Udupi CMC at present has a fabulous network of resource collection of crores of rupess as against the collection of Rs 26,892 in the year 1936. The CMC provided housing facilities to the civic labourers. It has the recognition of introducing cent per cent water metres in the city. Plans ahead Speaking to City Herald, CMC President Dinaker Shetty informed that the CMC has elaborate plans to beautify the city to commemorate the platinum jubilee celebrations. “e-governance has been introduced in the offices of CMC in recent years. Almost every road within the city limits are four-laned. Efforts are being made to provide non-stop drinking water facilities to the public. Exclusive underground drainage system has been built at a cost of Rs 31 crore. Traffic system is designed to be less hazardous supported with street lights and blinkers. Hi-tech bus stops have been added to beautify the city. Attempts are made to introduce parks, gardens and play grounds wherever essential within the city,” he said. At present, Udupi CMC is topping the list of index involving the development parameters at city level across the State. The year long platinum jubilee celebrations will be culminated with the State-level convention of the local bodies. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will deliver the valedictory address on the occasion.

Udupi Municipality 75

Govt has achieved a lot in 25 months: Acharya

"BJP is committed for unity and religious harmony with upholding value in politics and working for a socialist form of society inspired by Gandhian ideologies," said home minister V S Acharya.

After inaugurating the state executive committee meet of BJP Minority Morcha here on Saturday, he said that BJP is not a communal party as labelled by rival parties. "The opposition parties appear to be frustrated over the government's success and are finding ways to defame the government. Our government has achieved more than all the previous Congress governments, within a short span of 25 months which they were not able to do in 40 years. We are patient enough to encounter any sort of provoking statements against our administration," he added.

He said Arivu Yojane for the betterment of minority communities is very helpful to them. It facilitates loans at 2% interest rate. The Suvarna Arogya Chaithanya Yojane under Yashaswini-2 programme offers schoolchildren with free health check-ups. A total of Rs 50 crore has been allocated for the purpose. The scheme is a collective attempt to reach out to the layman. The funds for Minorities Development Board have been increased to Rs 100 crore.

The government has taken measures to improve the educational status of girl children belonging to minority communities. The budget of two years substantiates the concern of government for minorities, he added.

BJP Minority Morcha state president N F Mosin Nizamuddhin said 33 representatives from across the state will take part in the meet. The government has released nearly Rs 250 crore for various beneficiary programmes towards minorities. He said the minority people should not be carried away with the false campaigns of the Congress.

Udupi MLA Raghupathy Bhat, Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, BJP district president Udaykumar Shetty, BJP Minority Morcha state coordinators Kennedy Shanthakumar, Abdul Hakeem and others were present.

(TOI/Photo: net)

News Update: 08.08.2010

Bengaluru, Aug. 8: A war memorial would be built in Bengaluru at the earliest in memory of soldiers who laid down their lives while defending the country, said home minister Dr VS Acharya on Sunday.

Martyrs to get memorial, says Acharya

Deccan Chronicle: Reading out Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa’s speech in his absence, the minister reiterated the government’s resolve to build the memorial at the Indira Gandhi fountain park to honour the nation’s brave soldiers.

The government would like to extent atleast 50 per cent rebate in property tax to all ex-servicemen and defense personnel as against the earlier proposal of 100 per cent rebate, he said, adding that the government will also provide necessary support to the family members of jawans who become martyrs.

Governor HR Bhardwaj said retired jawans should be given a job in the civil service.

07.08.2010: Janaspandana

Udupi, Aug 7: Home Minister V.S. Acharya said on Saturday said that the Government was giving priority to providing basic facilities.Speaking at the “janaspandana” at Kaup in Udupi district, Dr. Acharya said that welfare schemes of the Government could reach the people only through complete cooperation of officials. Sea erosion had become more severe in the coastal belt of the district. Nearly 100-m stretch on the Udyavar-Padukere concrete road was damaged due to sea erosion in Udyavar recently. The officials had been directed to take immediate steps to reconstruct the road. Grants for this work would be provided from the Natural Calamities Fund, he said.Dr. Acharya said that free health check-up of students from classes one to 10 studying in government, private, aided and unaided schools had been launched under the Suvarna Arogya Chaitanya scheme. Wherever necessary, medical treatment would also be provided to these students. The Government had set aside Rs. 50 crore for this scheme, he said.Owing to successful conduct of janaspandana in the last two years, the number of applications being received in these programmes had come down. The Hindu/ Janardan Kodavoor

Opposition frustrated over govt’s success, says Acharya

Udupi: Aug 7, DHNS:

''BJP is a party for unity and religious harmony with value added politics facilitating the socialist form of society inspired by Gandhian idealogies,'' said Home Minister Dr V S Acharya.

Speaking after inaugurating the State Executive Committee meet of BJP Minority Morcha here on Saturday, he said “BJP is not a communal party as labelled by the rival parties. Opposition is frustrated over the government’s success and is finding ways to defame the government.”

Sportsmanship and spirit should be part of democracy which the Congressmen are lacking. “Our government has achieved more than Congress government within a short period of 25 months which they were not able to do in 40 years. We are patient enough to encounter any sort of provoking statements against our administration,” he added.

He said the BJP government has introduced ‘Arivu Yojane’ for the betterment of minority communities. It provides loan at 2 per cent interest rate. Besides, government has introduced ‘Suvarna Arogya Chaithanya Yojane’ under Yashaswini-2 programme to provide free health check for the shool children. A sum of ` 50 crore has been earmarked for the purpose. With respect to law and order in the State, Karnataka is peaceful and harmonious state, Dr Acharya said.

The funds released for Minorities Development Board have been increased to ` 100 crore. The Government has taken measures to improve the educational status of girl children belonging to minority communities.

BJP Minority Morcha State President Dr N F Mosin Nizamuddhin said that as many as 33 representatives from across the State are taking part in the meet.

The Government had released nearly ` 250 crore for various beneficiary programmes for the minorities.

Udupi MLA Raghupathy Bhat, Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, BJP District President Udaykumar Shetty, BJP Minority Morcha State Coordinators Kennedy Shanthakumar, Abdul Hakeem and others were present.

Minister Acharya Distributes Keys of Tourist Taxis to Youth

Udupi:Aug,3. A distribution programme of tourist taxis to unemployed youth belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC)and Scheduled Tribe(ST),was held at the headquarter of district administration here on Tuesday August3.

The district-in-charge minister Dr.V.S Acharya handed over the keys of tourist taxis to 21 beneficiaries.The taxis were granted by the state department of tourism and district administration.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr.V.S Acharya said that the state administration has introduced this scheme for the benefit of unemployed youth since there are ample opportunities for tourism in the district.The state will bear 50 percent of the cost of the vehicles and the banks will advance auto loans for 45 percent of cost at interest rate of 10 percent.The beneficiaries will have to bear 5 percent of the cost.The scheme has been introduced for the first time in the state,he added.MLA K Raghupati Bhat presided.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Raghupati said that the state tourism department has released Rs 1.70 crore for infrastructural development of tourism in the district.large idol of Sri Krishna will be erected at St Mary’s Island and a statue of Madwacharya at Malpe beach here, he said.

Deputy Commissioner P Hemalata, district-in-charge secretary Ramesh Zalaki, zilla panchayat president Gladys Almeida and tourism department acting director Adilaxmi were present among others.

The keys of tourist taxis were distributed to 15 youth of SC and 6 youth of ST,during the programme

Kemmannudotcom/ Mangalorean

Monsoon havoc loss pegged at Rs 11 crore

UDUPI: Udupi district minister V S Acharya said that the monsoon havoc had resulted in losses to the tune of Rs 11 crore in the district.

Udupi DC P Hemalatha has been entrusted with preparing a comprehensive report of the damage incurred. The minister said he will meet revenue minister G Karunkara Reddy and seek Rs five crore, as first installment or interim help to contain the damages.

The worst affected areas by sea erosion were Udyavara Padukere, Thenka and Bada Yermal, Hooda villages which cover a total stretch of 1,870 meters.

Acharya who attended the tri-monthly KDP meet also discussed the development of the already existing underground drainage (UGD) systems in Udupi CMC and Karkala TMC and starting up of new UGDs in Manipal, Kalianpur in Udupi CMC and Kundapura TMCs.

Acharya said that the third stage of Malpe Fisheries Port work would be taken up at the cost of Rs 32.15 crore and a final report in this regard has been sent to the Centre. TOI/ Janardan Kodavoor

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KARNATAKA: GOVERNMENT

Meet The Gloggers

Karnataka’s babus, netas are talking shop online

SUGATA SRINIVASARAJU

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CAUTION! GST may result in revenue loss of Rs 5,000 cr to state

The implementation of goods and services tax (GST) system from April 1, 2011, is likely to result in a revenue loss of Rs 5,000 crore for the Karnataka government, said V S Acharya, minister of home, Karnataka government.

Addressing a press conference, here on Monday, he said, “We are not against the implementation of new uniform tax system across the country. Unless the revenue loss issue is properly addressed by the Centre, it would be very difficult for the state government to implement it.”

He said the government has asked the Centre for introducing the new tax system with revenue neutral tax rates so that the buoyancy in tax collection is maintained. Presently, the state government has two slabs of 5 per cent and 13.5 per cent under the value added tax (VAT) system of taxation. Under the proposed GST system there will be two slabs of 6 per cent and 8 per cent. This means there would be a revenue loss of Rs 5,000 crore, he said.

During 2009-10, the state mobilised Rs 36,338 crore under various taxes as per the revised estimates. During the present fiscal, the state is aiming at a collection of Rs 39,228 crore, a growth of 8 per cent over the last fiscal.

Acharya said he would be representing the state on behalf of the chief minister at the two-day conference of the empowered committee of state finance ministers starting on Wednesday at Delhi.

“Since the new tax slabs announced under the GST are lower than the existing VAT rates, the state government would ask the Centre to reconsider these rates and introduce revenue neutral rates, so that the state will not lose its existing tax revenues,” Acharya said. (Business Standard)

02.08.2010: Hubli Diary

04.08.2010: New Delhi

Karnataka Home Minister Dr. VS Acharya exchanging views with Finance Ministers of other States at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi this morning before attending the meeting of Eempowered Committee of State Finance Ministers. The Minister of State For Finance (Gujarat) Saurabh
Patel, Finance Minister From Madya Pradesh Raghavji And Special representative to the Government of Karnataka In New Delhi V. Dhananjaya Kumar And Health Minister M Amar Aggarwal (Chattisgarh) were Present. Star Of Mysore/ [Pic. by M.M. Joshi].

Launch of School Health Program

Udupi : Parents and teachers must not conceal the disease of their wards or students, instead they must immediately report to the nearest government hospital and utilize the Suvarna Arogya Chaithanya scheme mooted by the government and get the child treated, said home minister V S Acharya.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Suvarna Arogya Chaithanya Scheme at the Govt PU College for Girls, Udupi, on Aug 3. He said the scheme is linked to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund or Yashaswini Medical Insurance scheme so all expenses are covered. This academic year over 37 lakh students were covered under the Suvarna Arogya Chaithanya scheme and got a free medical check up, and next year it would be increased to one crore students across the state, the minister said.This year the medical check up would be from August 1 to August 31 and Acharya urged students to utilize the free medical check up. (JimAndaz)

Now offer e-seva to Lord Krishna

UDUPI: HDFC Bank has tied up with Udupi Sri Krishna mutt to offer e-seva through HDFC Bank online donations and payment gateway facilities.

Inaugurating the facility here at Sri Krishna mutt premises on Saturday, home and muzrai minister V S Acharya informed that there are over 43,000 temples across the state and the government is introducing a new software offering exclusive information on the major temples in the state.

Initially particulars of three major temples including Subramanya and Kollur temple will be made available online. Subsequently, information on Udupi Sri Krishna mutt and other temples will be available, he added.

HDFC country head-operations A Ranjan said that the tie up will enable lakhs of devotees across the world. HDFC is already offering this facility to major temples in the country --Mata Vaishnodevi, Puri Jaganath, Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthana, Sri Siddhivinayaka temple, Somanath temple, Guruvayur in Kerala.

The website offers a variety of payment options to the devotees to make their offerings which include direct debit to their accounts with HDFC Bank or pay by a debit card or a credit card of any bank. (TOI/TNN)

31.07.2010: Tulu will be part of school curriculum: Achar

Voluntary Blood Donation Camp

DHNS:

Home Minister Dr V S Acharya said that importance should be given to promote Tulu language and its affluent cultural tradition.

The language ought to be included as study material to preserve it from getting extinct.

Speaking after inaugurating ‘Aatid Onji Dina-Ponjave Kuta’ organised jointly by Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, Mangalore, Mahila Mandaligala Okkuta, Udupi, Bantara yane Nadavara Mathrasangha, Udupi Taluk and Taluk Youth Bunts Association here at Ammanni Ramanna Shetty Hall on Saturday, he said Tulu will be part of school curriculum. Tulu has rich cultural and historical legacy. Attempts should be made to preserve and promote the language.

The ethnicity of Tulu language should spread across the border, he said. Varieties of cuisines were displayed on the occasion. ‘Nuppu’, ‘Pathrode,’ ‘Pelakayi chatni,’ ‘Timare chatni,’ ‘Ale,’ ‘Neeruppad,’ ‘Kukku chatni’ delicious food served to the participants on the occasion.

Rural games like ‘lagori,’ ‘chennamane’ were played by the women. Mahila Mandaligala Okkuta, Udupi President Sarala Kanchan, Taluk Youth Bunts Association President Jayaker Shetty Indrali, Sheela Shetty and others were present on the occasion

(Photos: Janardan Kodavoor)

Centre Blamed for High Fuel Pricing

BANGALORE: Pointing fingers at the Centre for high prices of petrol and diesel in the state, Home Minister VS Acharya on Wednesday said that the issue price of petrol and diesel sold to the state from the oil marketing companies was higher by Rs 2 to Rs 2.5 per litre in comparison to the neighbouring states.

Acharya said that the issue price was fixed some 20 years ago taking the lead price of Kochi and Tamil Nadu. “Despite our repeated requests, the Centre is not willing to revise it. If the issue price is brought down on par with the other states, the petrol and diesel prices in the state will also come down considerably,” the Home Minister said.

Dismissing reports that the state taxes on petroleum products were highest in the country, Acharya said that the state taxes were on par with the other southern states.

The state taxes on petrol and diesel stood at 30 per cent (27 per cent VAT and 3 per cent entry tax) and 23 per cent (18 per cent VAT and 5 per cent entry tax) respectively, while the tax rates in neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra were almost in the same range.

To a question, Acharya categorically ruled out a slash in the state tax rates on petroleum products stating that the state would lose substantial revenue if it did so. (ExpressBuzz)

State’s financial status sound, insists Acharya

Udupi, July 26: Home Minister Dr VS Acharya on Monday claimed that Karnataka’s financial situation was in a healthy state when compared to any other state in the country.

Commenting on HD Revanna’s statement that the state was in financial crisis and contractors were not paid their due, Mr Acharya said the National Empowered Committee on Finances has praised the state for its financial management.

The government has achieved a revenue surplus without additional taxing on the people. State’s fiscal deficit is at 3.25 per cent, which was well within its specified limit. The resource mobilization and debt servicing by the state is also good, he added.

He said the BJP government had settled Rs 1,700 crore dues to contractors, that was kept pending by the previous government. At present the government owes Rs 1,000 crore to the contractors and the same will be settled in phases, Mr Acharya added.

He also said that Mini Vidhana Soudha, the District Offices’ Complex at End Point Manipal would be inaugurated on Nov 1, the Rajyothsava Day, after developing all the connecting roads.

Dr Acharya also said that Udupi City Muncipal Council will host the two-day state level Civic Convention, on Aug 12 and 13, at Ammani Ramanna Shetty Hall.

Presidents, Vice Presidents, Standing Committee Presidents, Commissioners and Chief Officers from 44 CMCs, 94 TMCs and 68 Pattana Panchayaths will participate in the convention. Over 600 delegates are expected to participate in the convention. The convention will have session on Reforms in Civic Administration. Minister for Municipal and Local Administration Balachandra Jarakiholi will inaugurate the convention. Chief Minister BS Yedyurappa will deliver the valedictory address on Aug 13.

The chief minister is expected to make an announcement with regard to constitutional rights of Civic Bodies and the problems faced by them.

Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat will preside over the programme. Home Minister Dr VS Acharya, Urban Development Minister Suresh Kumar will be the chief guests. AG Kodgi, B Nagaraj Shetty, Ganesh Karnik, BR Shetty and Dr HS Ballal will be the special invitees.

MLA Raghuapthi Bhat, DC P Hemalatha, CMC President Dinkar Shetty, Information Officer Junjanna and others were present at the press meet. (CoastalDigest)