Dr V S Acharya

Udupi: Astro Mohan's Treasure Trove of Photos Now in Book Form

2012-01-15T06:17:00.005+05:30

Best memento for a visitor to Udupi!

Udupi, Jan 14: Renowned Photo-journalist and multi-faceted Astro Mohan’s book ‘Pictorial Journey to Udupi’ was released at Hotel Kidiyoor, here.

Speaking on the occasion, managing editor of Taranga Sandhya Pai said that deeply grasping the ancient regions of Udupi, the people, their lifestyle Astro Mohan has presented them beautifully in his book. This would be very useful to the tourists, she opined. Kiran Manjanabailu said that the book throws a light on the famous tourist spots of Udupi, the educational institutions and the religious prominence of the place.

Higher education minister V S Acharya, the chief guest said that Mohan has brought out the book on collection of photographs in an optimal manner and it’s a best gift one can give to loved ones, he added.

Wishing all the success to Astro Mohan MLA Raghupathi Bhat said that the book provides the real meaning of the word ‘Art’. It contains the developmental details of Udupi district too which is very informative, he said.

In his presidential speech Eshwarayya said that photography is a peace of heart. A best photo touches the hearts and minds of the viewers. The creativity too plays a major role. Photographs have a cultural entity, he said.

Laxminarayana Upadhya led the prayers and Janardhana Kodavooru welcomed the gathering and compered the prpgramme. Praveen Mohan proposed the vote of thanks.

Shubhalaxmi/Kevin: Daijiworld

Environment Ministry clears line through Western Ghats to evacuate Udupi power

2012-01-14T06:12:00.002+05:30

BANGALORE, JAN 13: The Karnataka Government has got the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) clearance to draw 400 kV line through the Western Ghats to evacuate power generated by Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) second unit.

According to the Karnataka Higher Education Minister, Dr V.S. Acharya, “The Government, four days ago, got the necessary clearances from the Union Ministry to take up 400 kV line in Western Ghats. Since it is delayed for a year, we are to commence the work on war footing.”

The 400-crore project is to be executed by KPTCL and we hope to complete it by March this year, he added.

The Government has committed to buy power produced by UPCL at Rs 3.71 for a unit.

SULPHUR CONTENT: “Since UPCL is using coal from Indonesia, it has high sulphur content at 0.86/kg. We have asked the promoters of power plant to install desulphurisation plant to minimise pollution,” said Dr Acharya.

Briefing reporters after the State Cabinet meeting, Dr Acharya said “The Cabinet today has ratified spot power purchase made by KPCL during 2011-12.”

“KPCL bought around 1,000 MW by spending Rs 3,877 crore to off-set the State's shortfall during 2011-12. Power was purchased at an average of Rs 4.87/unit and during peak period, about 300 MW was purchased at Rs 5.81/unit,” he added.

As for power needs during 2012-13, Karnataka is banking on completing of 400 kV line to evacuate power generated by Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) and Bellary power's third unit.

“For summer needs, we are to follow KERC's guidelines in power purchase. At present we feel comfortable for the two projects are to yield sufficient power to tide over the period,” said Dr Acharya.

The Hindu BusinessLine/ Anil U

No stepping down: news planted in the media by vested interests!

2012-01-10T19:54:00.001+05:30

Again, news planters at work. A "reputed" national daily too has shown it's vulnerability to PAID NEWS!

BSY should come clean, says Acharya: Interview, Deccan Chronicle

2012-01-09T05:41:00.002+05:30

The veteran BJP leader from Udupi, is someone who has a clear perception of party affairs in Karnataka and does not mind speaking the truth though at times, he gives the impression of being stubborn. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Dr Acharya spoke about the crisis in the party, possible solutions and the controversial bill pertaining to the endowment department.

Q: Some leaders including state BJP president K.S. Eshwarappa and Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda have admitted to problems in the party. According to you, what are the problems? If I am right, the problem is very simple. Party central leaders have told B.S. Yeddyurappa (former chief minister) to come clean in all the cases pending against him. They have told him that he cannot hold any post while facing charges. If he heeds this, everything will be sorted out.

But the situation does not look simple. Mr Yeddyurappa says that he has not demanded any post, nor does he want any. Yet, his supporters keep meeting at his residence to demand his political rehabilitation. Is groupism not affecting the BJP? I do not think so. There is nothing wrong in legislators and a few ministers meeting and demanding a fitting post for Mr Yeddyurappa in the party. All they are doing is expressing their opinion because BSY is a popular leader of the BJP. I feel it will only strengthen the party. Nor do I think their utterances in public will harm the party. Now that they have expressed their views, they should leave the matter to the party leadership and remain silent as disciplined soldiers of the party. Mr Yeddyurappa also seems to have reconciled to the idea that the party leadership will take care of his interests which is why he said he will function as an ordinary worker and not harm the party.

The situation seems so serious that ministers including home minister R. Ashok had to go to New Delhi and meet central leaders. Comment. 

Do you know that whenever I go to New Delhi, I will not return without meeting Advaniji? Mr Ashok is the home minister. During his visit to New Delhi, he might have met party leaders. When we meet our national leaders, they are sure to ask us and obtain inputs on the situation in Karnataka. This helps them take decisions if need be, in future.

But, the differences in the party seem to be hitting the state hard. Ministers owing allegiance to Mr Yeddyurappa do not seem interested in attending office and redressing people’s problems. Take the case of public works minister, C.M. Udasi. He has come under severe criticism. 

Mr Udasi is a senior minister and works very hard. The status of bad roads need not reflect on his style of functioning. There may be many other factors responsible like the allocation of funds and rules governing clearance of projects. He has to adhere to rules while implementing works. He might have expressed his allegiance to Mr Yeddyurappa because, he was made a Cabinet minister by BSY. That does not mean he has neglected his work. All our ministers are working hard. Some people have created a wrong impression about me too. They said my ill health is affecting my performance. It is unfortunate that the media is not interested in giving the right news.

Moving on to departmental issues, one of the bills of your department was defeated in the Legislative Assembly. Do you plan to bring the bill back in the same form or will you introduce an amended version in the next session? 

I will introduce the bill in the Legislative Council and get it passed before presenting it in the Assembly again. I do not know why people think it was I who proposed the bill. The contentious clause which some legislators referred to, was not introduced by me. It was part of the original legislation in which law makers had used a group of words: "temple pertinent to maths". During the court case, the judges scrutinised these words and wanted the government to clarify on it. So the government brought an amendment in the last session. I have not changed the motive of the original legislation which had excluded temples governed by maths from government scrutiny. The contentious clause was part of the legislation for the past 14 years. I am bringing an amendment with a clarification as suggested by the court.

25.12.2011: CM Sri DV Inaugurates Rajathadri & other projects

2011-12-26T05:26:00.005+05:30

Photo courtesy: Janardan Kodavoor

Report: Daijiworld

On the occasion of Christmas on Sunday December 25, the aesthetically built district complex at Manipal near here, was dedicated to the public.

Karnataka Chief Minister, D V Sadananda Gowda, who inaugurated the building, promised that he will strive to rule the state in such a way so as not to lose the confidence reposed on him by the people, whose affection for him, he said, had catapulted him to this position of power.

“This is the day on which Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a statesman and politician with high integrity and ethics, was born. I am happy to inaugurate the complex in the presence of my political mentors,” he explained.

He also announced decisions like sanctioning of 50 additional posts to the district, conversion of the old taluk office block into mini Vidhana Soudha, building of quarters for employees, giving clearance for spending the excess amount of Rs 1.8 crore from the land revenue department for administrative purpose and acquisition of vehicles.

He also announced release of one third of the project cost for the construction of Rajatadri-Kolalagiri Bridge, which, once executed, will cut the distance to the district complex by two kms for people coming from the direction of Brahmavar and Kundapur.

Dr V S Acharya, speaking on the occasion, hailed local MLA, Raghupati Bhat, for putting in efforts for realizing the district’s dreams of ‘Rajatadri’, the district complex, foundation stone for which had been laid during the period of erstwhile Chief Minister, J H Patel. Raghupati Bhat, who gratefully recollected the cooperation he received from the ministers and others towards making the district complex a reality, said that the landmark building could come up because of the second phase amount of Rs 7.65 crore released by the government. He announced that the district deputy commissioner would start functioning from the new complex from Monday December 26 onwards.

Rural development and panchayat raj minister, Jagadish Shettar, who noted that a unique platform, a venue for those who want to stage protest at the complex, has been built here, wished that this platform will never be used. Expressing his appreciation for the building design and execution, he said that honest officials, who understand the genuine wishes of the government and implement the programmes, and serve the people well, can pave way for overall progress of the district.

MLAs, H Gopal Bhandary, Lalaji R Mendon, and Lakshminarayana, MLCs, Ganesh Karnik and Srinivas Poojary, chairman of Committee for Implementation of Third Finance Commission Recommendations, A G Kodgi, zilla panchayat president, Katapadi Shankar Poojary, district deputy commissioner, M T Reju, inspector general of police (western range), Pratap Reddy, superintendent of police, Ravikumar, Ramesh Jhalaki, and others were present at the dais.

Kudi Vasant Shetty presented the programme. A cultural programme, ‘Tulunada Vaibhava’ was presented on the occasion.

Thereafter, the Chief Minister chaired the progress review meeting held at the district auditorium.

25.12.2011: One of its kind in the country, Udupi DC office Complex: Rajathadri

2011-12-25T05:47:00.003+05:30

With 42 Government offices in one complex, this ultra modern DC office complex is a dream come true!

The complex has three blocks—A, B and C.

‘A’ block will house DC office, while ‘C’ block will have Zilla Panchayat and ‘B’ block has fulfledged AC hall with a capacity to seat 500 persons at a time.

The offices which will function in the new building are—’A’ block—DC office, Additional DC office, Information Technology officer, City Development Cell, department of religious endowment and election section.

The first floor of the ‘A’ block will house district registrar, labour department, land survey technical assistant and deputy director, food and civil supplies deputy director, liason officer, Nirmithi kendra, Mines and geology, Wakf Board, Information Department. The second floor will house—tourism department, housing board, auditor, weights and measures, pension and small savings and urban/rural project.

The ‘B’ block will have hall, the first floor of the ‘B’ block will have women and child welfare department, sericulture, social forestry/Forest department, khadi and handloom, horticulture, watershed development department. The second floor will have ports and fisheries department, khadi and handloom board, Backward classes development corporation, social welafare department, Ambedkar development corporation. The basement of the ‘C’ block will house treasury, bank, post office.

The ground floor will house Zilla Panchayat hall, ZP President, Vice-President, CEO office, MP office. The first floor will have Kannada and culture department, Employment exchange, Handloom department, Panchayat Raj engineering.

The second floor will have DDPI office, Adult education and Agriculture department.

Other amenities: Protestors Park, Dandi March sculpture, Helipad, Parking area, Food court, Garden

Udupi DC office complex: Rajathadri

2011-12-19T05:41:00.004+05:30

News: Udayavani/Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

English Version

Food technology, the next big thing: V S Acharya

2011-12-18T12:17:00.000+05:30

BANGALORE: “With ever increasing population and enhanced consumer awareness about healthy food, it is evident that food technology will grow soon in the nation,” said Minister for Higher Education Dr V S Acharya on Thursday.
Inaugurating a national conference on ‘Recent Trends in Food Science and Nutrition Research’ organised by Dr P Sadananda Maiya, he said: “With sudden transformation in the lifestyle of Indians, particularly of those in urban areas, there is a dramatic increase in the demand for processed food.”
Dr Acharya stressed the need for innovation in the field of food technology. IBN Live
“India is the 3rd largest producer of food grains and the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables,” said Dr Acharya, while adding that processing and preservation was not remarkable in the country.

State cannot interfere with "personal beliefs".

2011-12-04T19:55:00.003+05:30

Interview: TOI : Stanley Pinto, TNN | Dec 4, 2011, 06.30PM IST

MANGALORE: From terming the 'Made Made Snana' ritual as innocuous last year, muzrai minister V S Acharya has come a long way this year, stating the state cannot interfere with "personal beliefs".

Acharya differentiates between nude worship at Chandragutti and Made Made Snana at Kukke Subrahmanya, saying that when the issue of morality comes or public order is under threat, the state will interfere, and not otherwise.

You said it's not the business of the state to interfere with matters of faith. Will you support any ritual based on faith? The Constitution is very clear. It talks about fundamental rights like freedom of speech and expression and these freedoms are there for individuals, provided they abide with public morality and order. In this case, one cannot do anything now as it is not compulsory.

What about nude worship (bettale seve) at Chandragutti in Shimoga? Chandragutti is a different issue. There was nudity - hence the question of public morality and public order came the fore. If some people are not well versed with the Constitution, I cannot help them.

There's opposition from some quarters. Won't you interfere? That's not the issue. If it was compulsory, certainly there is cause of action for us to interfere. When there is no force, the question of our interference will not arise.

What do you have to say about the dissenting note from a cabinet colleague? What he (Kannada & culture minister Karjol) said was: ' When people are educated, such things might slowly disappear'. There was no dissent - that's media creation.

Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samitiwantsabanontheritual, claiming such an unhygienic practice will lead to contagion. Since you're a doctor, what's your view?The basic philosophy of such rituals is to get indirect immunity from diseases in the form of antigens and antibodies. In Udupi, there is an Anjaneya Temple where food is served on the floor. It may be another form of getting antibodies and antigens for immunity. In the age of chips, micro- and nanotechnology, we have to believe this. Because when nanotechnology was not there people asked questions about homoeopathy. Samuel Hahnemann (considered the father of homoeopathy) said dilution and further dilution increases potency of medicine. In allopathy, we do exactly the opposite. Worse the fever, higher the dosage. Now, it looks like homoeopathy may act like a trigger to boost immunity.

Rationalists say if 'Made Snana' has curative powers, they want randomized controlled trials to verify it. It's a personal choice. You cannot ask me to undergo a test. It's voluntary. There may come a day where somebody may tabulate data and highlight whether it has curative properties or not. In the absence of such data, one cannot say anything about tradition.

Why cannot the government create awareness regarding these rituals?

Hasn't the media has done enough to highlight it? So much so that the attendance on the second day higher and even more on the third, creating problems of crowd control. You (the media) unnecessarily hype it up. You should understand the reality (about faith).

World disabled day 2011

2011-12-04T11:08:00.002+05:30

Udupi, Dec 4: Women and child development department of Karnataka state, Mahajana Union of specially challenged, Special School Teachers’ Union, and Udupi district specially challenged independent service groups, jointly observed ‘World Disabled Day’ at Shamili Hall in Ambalapady on Saturday December 3.

District in-charge minister Dr V S Acharya, inaugurating the programme, said that as per the census of 2011, Karnataka state has more than 9 lac specially challenged persons.

“In Udupi district, there are 17,050 specially challenged persons. Of these, 7,758 have been given identity cards. There are 14 institutions serving specially challenged persons. About 88 children have been provided with Rs 78,700 as scholarships. Grant allotment is done on the basis of the number of students to the ratio of teachers. Those with 75 percent physical disability have been provided a monthly pension of Rs 1,000. In the coming budget, proposals are on the anvil about increasing the income limit for specially challenged persons and also removing the income limit criteria completely,” he said.

On the occasion, 14 people were felicitated including Pramila Pinto, medal winner in ‘Special Olympics 2011’ held in Athens, Greece. Handicrafts made by specially challenged persons were displayed at the venue. Daijiworld

Do Not Hurt the feelings of the believers

2011-11-29T20:12:00.005+05:30

Made snana is a matter of personal belief: Mujrai minister

Media breaching the right to privacy, intellectuals hampering the right to observe your faith...

The Dakshina Kannada District Administration's direction to Kukke Subrahmanya temple administrator to ban the `Made Made Snana' practice came to a naught with Mujrai minister over riding this diktat.

Over 550 devotees took part in the ritual which involves rolling on plantain leaves used by Brahmins for meals, under the belief that it will cure them of skin ailments. The ritual will be held for two more days.

Mujrai minister VS Acharya told TOI the decision by the district administration was hasty. ``Such decisions need to be taken only after proper consultations at appropriate levels. These (Made Made snana) are traditional rituals working on beliefs and we have no business coming in the way of those beliefs,'' he said.

Regarding would there be any change next year Acharya said: Even if any changes have to be made, there is a process (Asthamangala prashna). Hence it was decided to continue the tradition like last year. We are not going to start any new tradition. The old tradition, if it has to continue, will continue.

Asthamangala prashna is a thorough or detailed study to find out root causes of any problem and the remedy to it using numerology and astrology.

Regarding opposition to this practice from many quarters, Acharya shot back: Those people who don't believe (in the ritual) don't have any business to interfere - as they don't have any belief. They need not worry about it.

Role of the media, self proclaimed intellectuals in this regard is quite provocative!

When there is no issue of caste in this belief, media desperately tries to divide the society in the lines of caste. Moreover, shameless visual media has been covering this event live, thus breaching the right to privacy of the devotees performing the ritual.

Media Ombudsman: necessity felt by the general public

2011-11-24T06:24:00.002+05:30

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Udupi Utsava 2011

2011-11-24T06:22:00.000+05:30

Photos by Janardan Kodavoor

Kanaka Jayanti Utsav at Krishna Matha Udupi 2011

2011-11-24T06:19:00.003+05:30

Udupi: Kanaka Jayanti celebrations were organized in Udupi Shri Krishna Temple, jointly by Paryaya Shiroor Math and the department of Kannada and culture here on Monday November 14.

As part of the programme, a painting of Kanakadasa riding an elephant was taken in a procession around Car Street. Special poojas were offered to Kanakadasa and Lord Krishna. State BJP chief K S Eshwarappa inaugurated the precession. Mangalorean/ Janardan Kodavoor

Udupi: V S Acharya Inaugurates E-Stamp Facility

2011-11-24T06:17:00.002+05:30

Udupi: An E- Stamp counter was inaugurated by Dr. V S Acharya, Minister of Higher Education and District minister Incharge on Lawyers Multipurpose Co – Operative Society in court premises on Saturday 19 November.

In his inaugural message Dr. Acharya said that the e-stamp facility would ensure transparency.

Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Udupi Sessions court Judge Narendra Kumar Gunaki, Bar Association vice – President Ronald Praveen Kumar, Lawyers Multi purpose Co – Operative Society president H Rathnakar Shetty, Lawyer Pradeep Kumar Shetty and others were present.

Mangalorean/ Janardan Kodavoor

DVS at Nitte

2011-11-24T06:10:00.003+05:30

Bio Fuel Project at Nitte

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

‘Priority being given to develop skills in youth'

2011-11-13T16:28:00.003+05:30

Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya said on Saturday that the State government was giving importance to develop skills and talents among the youth.

He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day State Youth Festival organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, and the district administration.

Mr. Acharya said that physical barriers had come down in a globalised world. Youth with good education, skills, and talent had many opportunities open for them.

In the past four years, the government increased the budget of the Department of Youth Services and Sports. The government was thinking of shifting the scouts' activities in schools from the Department of Public Instruction to the Department of Youth Services and Sports, he said.

The future of the country was dependent on the future of the youth. “Our ancestors have left us a rich legacy in the fields of arts and culture. It is our duty to preserve and promote it,” he said.

Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Services and Sports Sitanadi Vittal Shetty welcomed the gathering.

Gopal Bhandary, MLA, presided over the function.

President of the Karkala Town Municipal Council Pratima Mohan, Director of the Department of Youth Services and Sports V. Chandrashekhar, zilla panchayat members Savitha Kotian and Mamatha Adhikari, and Deputy Commissioner M.T. Reju were present. The Hindu(report)/ Mangalorean (photo)

2011-11-06T22:14:00.000+05:30

Udupi: Office-bearers of the South Kanara Photographers' Association, with the jurisdiction over Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district, met state minister of higher education and religious endowments Dr V S Acharya at his residence and submitted a memorandum of their demands. The minister assured them that all the demands would be favourably considered soon.

Association president K Vasudeva Rao, secretary Naveen Rai Puttur, Ashok Kumar Shetty, Shivaram Kadaba, Ganesh Kundapura, Janardhan Kodavoor, Jayakar Suvarna, Jagannath Shetty Mangalore, Sridhar Shettigar, Manjunath Bailakere and Praveen Kaup were present. Mangalorean

Udupi: ‘Bhargava Samagama’ Convention of Bhargava Pravaras held

2011-11-06T11:34:00.003+05:30

Udupi: The Bhargava Samagama, a convention to blend and build cordial relationship among all Bhargava origin people belonging to different pravaras, was held in Inna Muddanu Shri Mahalingeshwara temple under the leadership of Bhargava Trust, Inna on Saturday, Nov 5.

Minister of higher education Dr V S Acharya inaugurated the convention by lighting the lamp. In his address, he said that a state-level religious council ‘Rajya Dharmika Parishat' consisting of 8 members had been formed. The state council will be forming the district councils. Stating that certain sections of the common religious endowment act had been challenged in the supreme court and that the authority of the government to make appointment to the administrative committees of temples has been questioned, he said that the supreme court has directed the government to amend the Karnataka Religious and Charitable Institutions Act.

The eight-member council will have dharmadarshis of different temples, minister for religious endowment and also its government secretary. This council will have powers to appoint the administrative body to all the state-level temples coming under the government.

In the second stage, district-level religious councils will be formed comprising district judge, agama shastra experts, representatives from SC/ST, backward classes, he added.

P Ramadas Madmannaya, president of Bhargava Trust ( R), Inna, presided over the function.

Senior archak of the Inna temple Inna Srinivas Bhat, senate member of Mangalore University Prof Sripati Tantri), senior advocate of state high court Padubidri Raghvendra Rao, administrator of Lakshmi Janardhan Temple Ujire Vijayaraghava Paduvetnaya and convener of Kashi Santhana Trust Yellur Y M Shridhar Rao were honoured by the guest.

Agama scholar of Dharmika Parishat Vidwan Panja Bhaskar Bhat , Chennai entrepreneur C R Balakrishana, Corporation Bank Mumbai CGM Balakrisna Bhat, entrepreneur Manjunatha Bharadhwaj, AGM of Karnatka Bank K G Ramesh Rao , K P Acharya Kaup and others were present. (Mangalorean)

Grand Welcome to LK Advanis Jan Chetna Yatra at Udupi

2011-10-31T20:19:00.003+05:30

Udupi: Senior BJP Leader L K Advani demanded a white paper in the winter session of Parliament on how the government proposes to bring back the black money stashed abroad in foreign banks, while addressing a meeting here on Monday, October 31.

Advani, addressing the crowd in the Rajangana parking ground Shri Krishna Math as part of his Jan Chetna Yatra on Monday evening, said "In the winter session of the Parliament which is likely to commence on November 21, we will demand that a white paper be presented in the House telling the world, the country and the people how the government proposes to bring back this (black) money."

Mangalorean

Photos by Janardan Kodavoor & Gulfkannadiga

Cabinet Meet: 28.10.2011

2011-10-29T06:27:00.002+05:30

The Karnataka Cabinet on Friday accepted the recommendations of the high-power committee set up by the State Government to study the Lokayukta report on illegal mining especially the role of the Government officials. (HT Business)

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meet, the Higher Education Minister, Dr V.S. Acharya, and the Law Minister, Mr Suresh Kumar, said the State Cabinet has agreed on all the suggestions made by the high-power committee, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Mr K. Jairaj.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION TEAM

The committee has also suggested to the Government to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to probe in detail the role of each department, officers involved and also fix punishment required for their official misconduct.

Mr Suresh Kumar said the committee had instructed the Departments of Revenue, Mines and Geology, Police, Commercial Tax, Forest and Transport to serve notices on their officials indicted in the Lokayukta report and seek their views.

MONITORING PROBE

The departments identified gave the action taken report to the high-level committee and also a mechanism instituted by them to monitor the probe.

Of the total 617 officials named by the Karnataka Lokayukta report, 447 officers have been identified, action have been initiated on 182 officers and 170 are yet to be traced or identified, said Mr Suresh Kumar.

The committee has recommended stringent action against some officials.

IAS OFFICERS

The IAS officers named in the report are Mr K.S. Prabhakara, Mr M.V. Shivalingamurthy, Mr Srigangaram Baderia.

IFS OFFICERS

The IFS officers are Mr Muthaiah (ex-Deputy Conservator of forests-Bellary, Mr Srinivasalu (ex-Deputy Conservator of Forests-Chitradurga), Mr P. Rajshekar (ex-Deputy Conservator of forests-Bellary), Mr M.K. Shukla, (ex-Deputy Conservator of forests-Bellary).

The committee has also recommended to the State Government to initiate action on the IAS/IFS officers after taking their views in person.

ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS

The panel also said administrative reforms and suitable amendments to the existing acts in the departments identified in the illegal mining in the State.

The Lokayukta report had observed that documents seized from Mr Karapudi Mahesh, a trusted aide of Mr Reddy, indicated that payments were made to officials of various departments.

High level board headed by CM to boost agricultural production

PTI | 09:10 PM,Oct 28,2011

Bangalore, Oct 28 (PTI): The Karnataka Government today decided to set up a high-level board headed by the Chief Minister for effective implementation of programmes aimed at boosting agricultural production and to rechristen its "organic farming mission" as "Amrutha Bhoomi" project. Ministers of Agriculture and Horticulture would be the other board members as per the cabinet meeting decision today, Minister for Higher Education Dr V S Acharya told reporters. The cabinet decided no action is necessary on a complaint which alleged a Rs 50 crore scam in Karnataka Drugs and Logistics Warehousing Society in purchase of drugs after the Official committee which went into it declared there was no truth in it, he said. Acharya said the Cabinet decided to amend the Karnataka Judicial Service Act 2004 to facilitate 10 per cent of posts of district judges be given to civil judges who have completed five years of service during the selection process. He said 10 first grade colleges set up by SCs and STs between June 1987 and March 1995 would come under grant-in-aid facility, costing the state exchequer Rs 5.02 crore annually. The government would set up a quality regulation board to monitor quality aspects on roads developed with World Bank and Asian Development Bank assistance, he said.

Athletic Meet, Udupi

2011-10-14T18:15:00.005+05:30

Udupi, Oct 14: District in-charge minister, Dr V S Acharya, promised to put in efforts towards realizing the long-felt need of laying a modern synthetic track in the town to boost training facilities for the sportspersons.

He also exuded confidence of turning the region into a prominent centre of sports within a period of five years, if everyone put in their efforts in this direction.

The minister was speaking after inaugurating the state level athletics championship, which underwent at the district stadium here on Thursday October 13. The championship is being held by the district athletics association in association with Karnataka Athletics Association. Corporation Bank has sponsored the event, while Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd have participated as co-sponsor.

“During his recent visit to the town, our Chief Minister has given his nod for laying the synthetic track here at a cost of four crore rupees. My endeavour will be to ensure that the work on the track will begin during this financial year itself. If teachers, sportspersons, organizations and clubs come together, it is not difficult to turn this region into a sports hub,” he felt.

Corporation Bank general manager, B R Bhat, presided over the inaugural. District deputy commissioner, Dr M T Reju, inspected guard of honour provided by the sportspersons. President of the championship committee and MLA, K Raghupati Bhat, welcomed. Working president, Yashpal Suvarna, proposed vote of thanks.

MRPL managing director, Uttam Kumar Basu, well-known sportsperson and cine actress, Ashwini Nachappa, Dr Mohan Alva, municipal president, Kiran Kumar, taluk panchayat president, Devadas Hebbar, assistant director in the department of sports, Seetanadi Vittal Shetty, secretary of Karnataka Athletics Association, Satyanarayana, and various other dignitaries were present.

The championship will continue till October 16. Some rains on the first day of the event created problems for holding of the events on schedule. More pics @ Daijiworld/ Janardan Kodavoor

Karantha Award 2011

2011-10-13T07:38:00.005+05:30

Photo Courtesy: Janardan Kodavoor

Report: Michael Rodrigues/ Mangalorean
Udupi: The annual 'Dr Kota Shivarama Karanth Native Village Award' (HuTToora Prashasti) was conferred on Salumara Thimmakka of Bangalore, at a colourful function held at Kota on Wednesday, Oct 12. The Karanth Memorial Kala Bhavan was also dedicated to the society on the same occasion. In his message, Gowda congratulated her on her love of trees by planting hundreds of trees along the roads near Bangalore. He said that in accordance with her wish, setting up of a government hospital has been approved in her village. A sum of Rs 5 lakh would be placed in a bank, so that she could sustain herself from its interest. She would also be given a house in Bangalore and healthcare would be provided.

Jagadish Shettar in his speech said that Dr Karanth had great interest in moving arts. On a personal note, Shettar said, he himself had been greatly influenced by him. He further said that the state government the state was in the forefront in implementing decentralization of power. During the former chief minister's tenure, it was agreed that grants to gram panchayats on a population-based pro-rata basis to the tune of Rs 9, 12 and 15 lakh be given, but for some reasons it had not been implemented. He said he would take up the matter with the present chief minister.

Speaking further Shettar said that after the BJP government came to power, an annual grant of Rs 1 crore each was being given to taluk and zilla panchayat and now there was a proposal to raise to Rs 2 crore. Minister Dr V S Acharya, who was the chief guest, said that the Kala Bhavan was a marvellous edifice, and wished that more programmed on creating awareness, a subject close to Dr Karanth's heart, be held in it.

The awardee was introduced by Yakshagana artiste Kota Shridhar Hande in a special way, by singing the lyrics set to the tune of a folk song.

State Third Finance Commission implementation committee chairman A G Kodgi unveiled a bronze bust of Dr Karanth. Earlier, Thimmakka was escorted to the venue of the function in an open vehicle in a procession, accompanied by music played on traditional horns and trumpets and given a 'purnakumbha' welcome.

The function was presided over by Kotatattu gram panchayat president Raghu Thinagalaya. MLA Raghupathi Bhat, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary, deputy commissioner Dr M T Reju, State Tobacco Development Corporation chairman B N Shankar Poojary, TP president Devadas Hebbar, ZP CEO S V Prabhakar Sharma, ZP members Sunita Rajaram, TP members Raghavendra Kanchan, Dr Karanth anniversary celebration committee president Anand C Kunder, ZP vice president Jyoti Shetty, TP CEO Manjunathaiah and others were present on the occasion.

The Karanth HuTToora Prashasti was instituted by the Kotatattu gram panchayat in 2005. M Veerappa Moily in 2005, former Lokayukta N Venkatachalaih in 2006, educationist K R Hande in 2007, journalist Ravi Belagere in 2008, Yakshagana exponent Chittani Ramachandra Hegde in 2009, film-maker Girish Kasaravalli in 2010 have been the earlier recipients.

Bannanje Temple renovation

2011-10-02T19:36:00.002+05:30

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Gandhi’s Ideologies Ever Prevalent in India - Dr V S Acharya

2011-10-02T17:16:00.002+05:30

Udupi, Oct 2: The state and district-in-charge minister Dr V S Acharya garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Bhujanga Park, Ajjarkad, here on Sunday October 2 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.

Speaking on the occasion, minister Dr Acharya said that the ideologies of Gandhi are ever prevalent. Jayaprakash Narayan and Anna Hazare are the examples of non-violence struggle. The rural development is the need of the hour in the nation, which was envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. Westerners still doubt, whether Gandhian ideology succeeded in securing freedom to the country from imperial forces, despite six-decades passed since then, said minister Dr Acharya.

MLA Raghupati Bhat, town councilor Kiran Kumar, deputy councilor Bharati Chandrashekar, DC Dr Reju, municipal commissioner Gokuldas Nayak, Yashpal Suvarna, Naveen Bhandary, Gujjady Prabhakar Rai and others were present on the occasion.

Later, MLA Raghupati Bhat garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Malpe beach, here. Daijiworld

Udupi Paryaya 2012

2011-10-02T17:14:00.003+05:30

Udupi, 01 October 2011: The next 2 year Krishna Pooja Paryaya at Shri Krishna Mutt will be taken over by Sode Mutt Seer Shri Vishwavallabha Theertha on 18th January 2012. Paryayothsava Swagatha Committee has been formed for this occasion. Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda who is also the MP of Udupi will be the Honorary President of this Committee and District In charge Minister Dr. V.S. Acharya will be the President of this Committee.

The preliminary meeting for this occasion was conducted in the presence of Shree Vishwavallaba Theertha at Sode Mutt. Speaking in the meeting Seer said that this will be his first Paryaya and he wished that all the devotees of Shri Krishna cooperate to make the 2 years of Paryaya successful. Minister Dr. V.S. Acharya who was in the meeting said that, the state government is keen to provide all kind of cooperation for the Paryayothsava, and wished success of the event. Bellevision

Bagina: Swarna River

2011-09-04T17:09:00.001+05:30

Photo by Janardan Kodavoor

03.09.2011

2011-09-03T20:11:00.001+05:30

20.08.2011: CM visits Udupi

2011-08-21T19:40:00.003+05:30

CM Sri D V Sadananda Gowda inaugurated Ajjarkad Indoor stadium, laid foundation stone for swimming pool near Ajjarkad, laid foundation stone for Madhwacharya's statue in Malpe and launched the third phase of work on Malpe port.

(pics by Janardan Kodavoor)

15.08.2011: Independence Day

2011-08-15T21:38:00.003+05:30

Photo Courtesy: Janardan Kodavoor

09.08.2011: New Delhi

2011-08-10T05:51:00.002+05:30

08.08.2011: 21 ministers sworn in into D V Sadananda Gowda cabinet

2011-08-08T20:01:00.002+05:30

The 21 newly inducted ministers in the order of their being sworn in are: Jagadish Shettar, R Ashok, V S Acharya, C M Udasi, Govind Karjol, S Suresh Kumar, Shobha Karandlaje, Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, S A Ravindranath, Basavaraja Bommai, Umesh V Katti, Murugesh R Nirani, S A Ramadas, Laxman Savdi, C C Patil, Revunaik Belamagi, B N Bache Gowda, J Krishna Palemar, V Somanna, A Narayanaswamy and M P Renukacharya.

Photo courtesy: Daijiworld

Best Wishes to DVS

2011-08-04T19:22:00.002+05:30

26.07.2011

2011-07-27T05:31:00.002+05:30

Under employed opposition leaders...

2011-07-27T05:28:00.002+05:30

Karnataka minister VS Acharya tells G Vishnu, Tehelka that he never put pressure on the Lokayukta to give a clean chit to the CM

Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hedge claims you were present when former Union minister V Dhananjaya Kumar asked him not to indict Chief Minister BS Yeddyurrappa in his forthcoming report on illegal mining. Is it true?
It is true that I met Hegde at his house in Bengaluru but I didn’t discuss any political matter. Dhananjaya Kumar didn’t make any such statement in my presence. I have high regard for Hegde. His father (Justice KS Hegde) was a senior BJP leader. I have never asked him for any favours.
What is your comment on the Congress allegation that Santosh Hegde is corrupt.
Congress leaders are underemployed and don’t know what to do, hence spewing nonsense is their preoccupation. We don’t know why the Congress is attacking Hegde. They always have a hidden agenda. They deliberately projected Chief Minister Yeddyurappa as a villain to hide their own sins. We have all seen how the Commonwealth Games, 2G spectrum and the oil scams consumed the country. People in Karnataka have repeatedly vouched for our performance. We care a hoot for what the Congress says.
In the Lokayukta’s previous report on illegal mining, former Congress CM Dharam Singh was also named.
Dharam Singh’s involvement only dates back to five years ago but the Congress has been exploiting iron ore reserves in the state for 30-40 years now. They began with charging extra premium for the iron ore dust. The Congress has a long history of exploiting resources for its own use. They were the first to export iron ore at the cost of government companies. The Congress policy itself is all about creating bankruptcy. Name any state in the country, the Congress has looted resources there. Be it Karnataka, Odisha or Madhya Pradesh, the raw materials were exploited, exported, completely ignoring the value addition that could have proved beneficial for local industries. Better gain and employment creation is completely ignored. Congress agents have always exported ore at throwaway prices.
Is the BJP trying to pressurise Hedge into not naming Yeddyurappa? He has given suggestions to that effect. Rumour has it that you are among those who put pressure.
Hegde is a person whom we consider with great respect. All this is a media creation. I don’t know what Hegde has said. I have been meeting him since 1975. I never used any meeting to push my own cause or political purpose. The last time I visited his house was six months ago to invite him for a function. No one can doubt my integrity.
The Lokayukta has asked for security cover for his staff once the report is out. What kind of threat are they facing?
I’m not aware of that. If he has asked for security, he should be given protection. Anybody, whether it is a government servant or a private person, if they are feeling threatened, they need to ask and we will give them protection.
Do you acknowledge that there exists a powerful mining mafia in the iron ore belts of the state?
I don’t know about the mining mafia. Today, the atmosphere in the country is fragile. There are a lot of security issues. So let us not limit ourselves to Bellary.

The BJP made an unsubstantiated allegation regarding the wealth of Deve Gowda. After Kumaraswamy went on a fast, the remark was withdrawn. Didn’t your party lose face?
Instead of raising valid issues, they are attacking a good government. Our governance is so good that people are repeatedly electing us and I don’t think there is anything worth pointing out in what the Opposition is doing
G Vishnu is a Correspondent with Tehelka.
vishnu@tehelka.com

Cyber lab to tackle cyber crimes...

2011-07-24T06:19:00.000+05:30

Govt to plant 2.5 Crore saplings in State: Dr V S Acharya

2011-07-19T05:53:00.005+05:30

Michael Rodrigues /Mangalorean; Photo: Janardan Koadvoor

Udupi, Jul 18: Department of Forest Kundapur Division and Mahathma Gandhi Memorial College Udupi celebrated Vanamahotsava at the MGM College premises on Monday 18 July 2011.

District In-Charge Minister Dr. V S Acharya inaugurated the programme by planting and watering the saplings. Later a Stage Function was organized at Ravindra Kala Mantapa.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Acharya Said that it is decided to plant 2.5 Crore saplings in the State and 1 lakh saplings in each constituency which is the target this year. Planting trees helps temper the heat of summer on the pavements and it gives beauty to the roads he said.

Asst Officer of Forest department Kundapur Division C B Sadashiv Bhat in his introductory speech said that the forest department had a plan of planting saplings in the state this year. Farmers who are interested in planting new saplings can apply to the forest department and if the farmers continuously take care of the plants for 3 years they will get Rs 45 per each tree.

Farm mechanization...need of the hour

2011-07-17T19:47:00.001+05:30

Why Farm mechanization?

Photo: Janradan Kodavoor

What Lok Ayukta Justice Hegde really said...

2011-07-17T19:43:00.005+05:30

Excerpts of an interview with Rediff

"I was told by BJP leader Dhananjay Kumar (former Union minister from Mangalore) to go soft on Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa while preparing the report on illegal mining," said Justice Hegde.

"A couple of months ago, Dhananjay Kumar told me during an informal chat to go soft on the chief minister. I had told him clearly that he should not meet me if this is what he wanted to discuss. I had kept the incident under wraps and felt that I should not speak about it. But Kumar went around telling people that 'I had been settled' and the CM's name would not be mentioned in the mining report," he said.

"Why did he have to go around speaking like that when I had made my stand very clear to him? I got confirmation of what Kumar was saying when a BJP minister told me what he was saying about me. I don't like speaking out like this. But when there is a deliberate ploy to malign me, I thought I should speak up," said Hegde.

"During that informal meeting, BJP minister Dr V S Acharya and A G Kodgi were also present.

"They didn't try and influence me in any way. But Kumar had the audacity to threaten to file a defamation case against me. I needed to take the names of Kodgi and Acharya as they were present at that meeting," he said,"

Dr VSA: I have never gone to Justice Santosh Hegde seeking personal favours. I have known his family for almost 30 years and have been to his house several times...

Kittur, Gangavathi visit

2011-07-13T08:04:00.001+05:30

Media - Internal Ombudsman: need of the hour!

2011-07-11T05:38:00.004+05:30

Snehalatha/ Bellevision

Udupi, 11 July 2011: Journalism which is in the cross roads can be brought to the right path only from within the journalism and cannot be done from outside, opinioned State Higher Education Minister Dr. V. S. Acharya. He was speaking upon inauguration of the new Press Club and laying foundation stone fort the News Bhavana. The Judiciary system, Legislatory system are all sometimes get into humorous or laughable situations. But the journalism should not become like that, said the Minister. Journalist should leave aside the negative approach and must encourage the personalities of good creative thinking and to those who does good work. In the public platform it is not possible for the politicians and officers to take a short cut for a long lasting achievement. And this principle applies to even journalists also, said Dr. Acharya.

State government has announced rupees 1 crore for the welfare of the Journalists, rupees 50 lakhs for the welfare of Senior Journalists, the monthly allowance has been increased from rupees 1,000 to 2,000, Smart card for the Journalists who crossed the age of 60 and also Mere Hanumatha Rao awards have been declared. The government is always ready to hear the petitions of the Journalists, said the Minister. State Journalists Association President Gangadhara Modaliyar speaking on the occasion, said that, after the Neera Radhiya case, there have been evidences that even the Journalism is not out of corruption. Elections have created a new corruption called paid news. The murder of Jyothi Dey in Mumbai proclaim that in our country even the Journalists are not safe. To all these problems and issues the only solution is to follow the Journalism ethics by all Journalists, he said.

other posts on Paid News, Judgemental Media, Media Ombudsman

Grow Fruits and Vegetables and make profit in agriculture

2011-07-11T05:33:00.003+05:30

Udupi, 11 July 2011: Paddy farmers have been facing various problems such as economic loss and shortage of labour and therefore they have kept the land unused. But the same farmers should make profit by growing fruits and vegetables, said District Minister Dr. V. S. Acharya. He was speaking upon inauguration of an agricultural training program at Udupi Taluk Panchayath on Saturday.

The program was jointly organized by Karnataka Agriculture Maha Mandala, D.K. – Udupi District Hapcams and other Organizations. Harvesting of the crop, marketing training and also distribution of seeds were part of this program. Dr. Acharya said that, India is the 2nd largest in growing fruits and vegitables, but still the farmers are not making profit out of it. It is because the farmers have failed in protecting, preserving, yielding technologies of the fruits and vegetables. So they need to think seriously about this, he said.

Subhas Marne/ Bellevision

CET Conselling 2011

2011-07-08T05:25:00.001+05:30

Bangalore: Finally, the long wait ended on Thursday. Students started lapping up government quota engineering seats as the Common Entrance Test (CET) counselling had a nail-biting start at seven centres across the state.

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), that conducts the test and seat selection sessions, has declared 73,168 students eligible for engineering seats this year. On Thursday — the first day of counselling — CET candidates who have secured ranks from 1 to 1,600 were called for seat selection under the general merit category.

Note that the total number of engineering seats available to CET candidates is 47,697 in 188 colleges. This year, 83,489 engineering seats are available in the state in total.

KEA said all engineering seats in the Electronics and Communications stream that were available for CET students under the general merit category were taken on Thursday.

Initially, the engineering counselling was scheduled to begin on June 27, but the state government was forced to postpone it by 10 days to Thursday, as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) delayed sending approvals for engineering courses. State higher education minister VS Acharya visited the KEA cell in Malleswaram in the morning when the counselling kicked off and addressed the session.

"This year, all eligible and aspiring candidates will get engineering seats as the number of seats has gone up. Six new colleges have been approved," Acharya said.

Along with the seats, the number of students eligible for engineering seats has also been jacked up.

When the CET results were announced, the count of candidates eligible for engineering seats was 60,543. AICTE had altered the eligibility slab for aggregate marks in Science subjects from 45% to 50% (GM & OBC) and from 40% to 45% (SC, ST) for engineering seats. It then changed the eligibility criterion to include Computer Science and Electronics students, increasing the number.

But it later gave in to the pressure exerted from various states to drop the change in eligibility cap.

After these last-minute changes, KEA came out with a revised rank list with 73,168 students eligible. Due to the delay in the commencement of the engineering counselling, KEA is now racing against time.

It has planned to hold counselling sessions even on weekends without break as the deadline for the completion of the seat selection process is August 2. Of the total 44,305 seats that were available to CET candidates in the general merit category, 982 were filled on Thursday.

Those who have secured ranks from 1,601 to 3,200 are eligible to attend the second day of the counselling today (Friday). Photo:Sanjevani, Report: Daily Bhaskar

VSA 73

2011-07-06T18:12:00.003+05:30

Courtesy: Udayavani

Better roads, wider roads save fuel: thus save our environment!

2011-07-05T06:18:00.003+05:30

Wider roads: save fuel

Less Pollution

Wider roads: Safer, save lives!

Defending the chopping of trees for widening Sankey Road, Higher Education Minister V S Acharya on Monday said it was not possible to give preference to trees over the road.

Speaking at a World Environment Day event, he said: “There is obviously a need to widen the road to accommodate the increasing traffic. If people want the road to be widened and also the trees to remain, then it is like saying you want to have the cake and eat it too.”

Acharya said the trees existed because of the road and not the other way around and people should not oppose the cutting of trees. “We can plant more saplings later. The road widening should go on,” he said.

The Minister, however, cautioned people not to destroy the environment and to protect the resources. “Modernisation, greed and commerce have led to the destruction of the environment. There should be sustainable development,” the Minister said.

Also read: Hazardous trees on the roadside: an analysis

‘Our success story got lost in controversies’

2011-06-28T05:56:00.001+05:30

June 26: Higher education minister Dr V.S. Acharya is one of the few members of the state Cabinet, who has no qualms about speaking his heart.

The fact that he is accessible most of the time, is something widely appreciated by even his detractors. This despite his avowed allegiance to the RSS, which has landed him in controversy more than once. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Dr Acharya spoke about various issues including the much anticipated Cabinet expansion, JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy’s attacks on Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and the image of the first BJP government in the South.

To begin with, let’s talk about the controversy surrounding the chief minister over taking an oath at Dharmasthala. Can the chief minister of a state invite his political rival to face a truth test before god?
I think the media misread the situation. When a person keeps bothering and irritating you every day, a strong believer like Mr Yeddyurappa may tend to hit back saying god will teach you a lesson for bad behaviour.

Then, why did he back out? Will it be a setback for the party?
See what happened later. Pontiffs and seers of several powerful maths and dignitaries spoke out saying Mr Yeddyurappa’s plan to take a vow, was not in good taste. The chief minister positively responded to their sentiments and cancelled his plan. It will not be a setback for him because the person at the other end, can hardly be described as a statesman.

How did the party respond to the latest charges levelled by Mr Kumaraswamy on the involvement of family members of Mr Yeddyurappa in a cement company scam?
The party did not take it seriously because everything happened when the state was under President’s Rule. It is not even worth discussing this in party circles. It is unfortunate that a former chief minister resorted to such tactics. This is because he does not understand the language of democracy.

As a former home minister, what is your view on banning Karnataka Forum for Dignity?
I feel banning such organisations will not help. When the government banned SIMI, activists regrouped under the KFD. When you ban outlaws, they do not cease their activity all of a sudden. Instead, they continue to function under the aegis of a different organisation. I feel filing stringent cases against these people, is the best option. They will then stop their terror activity.

The delay in expanding the Cabinet, has given an impression that the party and government have different views on this. Comment.
You don’t have to read too much into it. We don’t have to expand the Cabinet in a hurry. The thinking in the party is that we should fill 2-3 of the seven vacant Cabinet berths. I don’t think the party top brass is considering filling all seven berths.

How do you view the comments made by senior BJP leader L.K. Advani that the party’s image has taken a beating due to the series of controversies the BJP government landed in?
Image building work is not a one-time measure. It is a continuous process. Mr Advani is the senior most leader of the party and one should not take his comments lightly. Nor is there anything wrong with his view. In spite of implementing so many programmes, controversies sprung up which diverted attention from our work. He has given a piece of advice which we have to strictly adhere to. After Mr Advani made a public observation, Mr Yeddyurappa held a series of meetings and gave a diktat making it mandatory for ministers to attend their offices at Vidhana Soudha.

You claim your achievements are outstanding. So, why is the image of the government bad?
There are two issues. Due to the controversies, we could not highlight our performance. Two, the Opposition Congress and JD(S) are getting disheartened. That’s why they keep making baseless and sometimes silly charges. Of the 28 byelections held since 2008, we have won 19. What other proof do you need to assess our popularity?

Deccan Chronicle

KDP meeting: June 2011

2011-06-28T05:54:00.002+05:30

UDUPI: Higher education and Udupi district in-charge minister V S Acharya said issues regarding all round development of the district were discussed at the KDP ( Karnataka Development Programme) meeting on Saturday.

Briefing the media, he said that an external fishing harbour for fishing will be built on the eastern side of Maravanthe at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore, which can accommodate 250 to 300 fishing boats.

A mini fishing harbour would be built in Alvegadde at Shiroorat at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore. Administrative approval has been accorded for this project. A meeting will be convened at Bangaloreshortly to discuss the project on desilting and dredging works at Hejmadi, Malpe, Hangarukatte, Gangolli and Kundapur bunders.

The department has marked about 1,113 meters as acute areas in Udupi district which are prone to sea erosion. Boulders have been put at Udyavara-Padukere and in some areas in Kundapur taluk. The DC has sent a proposal of Rs 11.18 crore to contain sea erosion.

Acharya warned the public not become prey to private agencies who promise them government site and house by collecting funds on behalf of the government. Acharya warned Karnataka Pranthya Krishi Koolikarara Sangha which has been collecting a sum of Rs 50 from farmers.

On July 5 all elected representatives, including the CM, will visit a school in their constituency and spend an hour interacting with the children and faculty under a programme Shalegalalli Navu-Neevu. TOI

Dream Come true!

2011-06-26T08:05:00.001+05:30

Streetlights on Udupi Manipal road were inaugurated on 25.06.2011

Photos by Astro Mohan & Janardan Kodavoor

20.06.2011

2011-06-22T04:52:00.004+05:30

1. Justice Santhosh Hegde inaugurates the Lok Ayukta office building at Udupi

2. Foundation stone for Extension of Udupi IB, laid

3. Two new bridges across river Swarna, foundation stone laid

(photos by Janardan Kodavoor)

3 years of Progress, Development...

2011-06-14T07:30:00.002+05:30

Courtesy: Udayavani

Click here for Press meet video

Karnatakas First paperless DC Office @ Udupi: Udupi, 14 June 2011: District-in-Charge Minister Dr V S Acharya said that Udupi Deputy Commissioner’s office will soon be the first office in the State to become the paperless office. Addressing a press meet, he said paperless system will be implemented in Assistant Commissioner’s office and three taluk offices in a phased manner. The Udupi DC office complex will be inaugurated on August 19 by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa at Manipal End Point. Foundation stone will be laid for the Udupi circuit house on June 20. A sum of Rs 2.50 crore has been released for the Kundapur AC office and the work will commence at the earliest. The indoor stadium at Ajjarakadu has been renovated at the cost of Rs 2.55 crore and will be inaugurated soon. (read more from Bellevision)

CET: Clarity in vision, implementation

2011-06-11T05:41:00.002+05:30

Reports from Vijay Karnataka

State achieves 112% of plan target of 11th Plan

2011-06-11T05:30:00.000+05:30

The Karnataka government has achieved its plan targets fixed in the 11th Five-Year Plan and the state’s plan size is getting larger every year, although the proportion of Central assistance to the state plan has been declining over the years. Against the 11th Plan allocation of Rs 1,01, 664 crore, the anticipated expenditure is likely to be Rs 1,14,005 crore, an achievement of 112 per cent.

“Though the state is known as forward-looking, progressive and strongly development-oriented and registered an average growth rate of about 7.5 per cent of GSDP in the last few years, it continues to be in the league of middle income states. This is because of the existence of considerable intra-regional disparities,” Dr V S Acharya, minister for planning and statistics, said.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the regional consultation of Planning Commission with southern states on the Approach Paper to the 12th Five Year Plan, here on Friday, he said the state is implementing a Special Development Plan spanning eight years, from 2007-08, based on the recommendations of the high power committee for redressal of regional imbalances. The state is providing an additional allocation of Rs 16,000 crore over and above the normal allocation to the identified backward taluks to bring them on a par with the developed taluks, he said.

In line with the recent independent Evaluation Initiative of the Planning Commission, Karnataka has proposed a Karnataka Evaluation Authority. The objective is to undertake impartial assessment of various public programmes and improve the effectiveness of public intervention, he said.

In order to improve implementation of all the schemes and programmes of the government, the state government has introduced a Monthly Programme Implementation Calendar (MPIC) for each plan and non-plan scheme. The MPIC sets out details of steps to be taken at the state, district and taluk levels for effective implementation of Plan non-Plan schemes from the very beginning of the financial year, he said. Business Standard

Brutality on protestors condemned

2011-06-07T05:15:00.003+05:30

Baba Ramdev's forceful eviction in New Delhi on Saturday night found its echo in the Karnataka legislature on Monday. A resolution was passed in both Houses condemning the Centre's act and seeking a high-level inquiry into the incident.

The discussion was initiated by labour minister B N Bachhe Gowda. State BJP president K S Eshwarappa termed the police action at Ramlila Maidan, where Baba Ramdev was holding his protest, as "independent India's Jalianwala Bagh". He warned that the UPA government is playing with fire.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa termed the incident unpardonable and said the Congress had repeated the Emergency days. Holding the Centre responsible for the act, he called upon the people cutting across party lines to support the movement and make it a success.

In the legislative council, higher education minister V S Acharya moved the resolution and criticized the National Human Rights Commission for the delay in taking action.(TOI)

04.06.2011

2011-06-07T05:10:00.002+05:30

Vidya Nidhi @ Krishna Matha, sponsored by Paryaya Shri Shiroor Swamiji

(Photos by Janardan Kodavoor)

CET

2011-06-04T05:00:00.002+05:30

Linguistic harmony makes coastal districts special, says Acharya

2011-05-30T06:03:00.004+05:30

Udupi: Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya on Saturday said that linguistic harmony was one of the unique features of the coastal districts.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Konkani women's literary and cultural festival organised by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, here.

Dr. Acharya said Kannada, Tulu, Konkani and Beary languages co-existed in perfect harmony in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The State had 11 academies and four were related to the coastal districts — Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy and the Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy.

The specialty of Konkani was that it was spoken by some Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities. Hence, it was befitting that the headquarters of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy was located in Mangalore. It was due to the efforts of the academy that Konkani had been introduced as an optional language in schools. This had also helped in Tulu being introduced as an optional language in schools in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The State government provided Rs. 200 crore this year to the Department of Kannada and Culture as against the annual grant of Rs. 20 crore provided by successive governments, Dr. Acharya said. President of the zilla panchayat Katapady Shankar Poojary, Chairman of the Udupi CMC's Standing Committee Sumitra R. Nayak, and priest of Udyavara St. Francis Xavier Church William Martis were present.

Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Math inaugurated the festival. TheHindu

Distribution of 30 cars

(Photos: Janardan Kodavoor)

CM visit

2011-05-09T18:32:00.002+05:30

CM Mr BSY visits Dr VSA, today

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Mandavi Emerald, Manipal

2011-04-30T05:59:00.001+05:30

Photos: Janardan Kodavoor

Mangalore University: Mangala Auditorium inaugurated

2011-04-30T05:51:00.003+05:30

Mangalore April 29, 2011: Hon'ble Union Minister for Law and Justice, Dr Veerappa Moily inaugurated the "Mangala Auditorium" on Friday 29 April 2011 at Mangalagangothri, Konaje Mangalore. Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, Karnataka and Pro Chancellor, Mangalore University, V S Acharya inaugurated the main entrance of the auditorium which has been built at the cost of Rs. 40 lakhs.

In his inaugural speech Dr. Moily said that Karnataka is the hub of Education, but Mangalore and Udupi have highest number of educational Institutions. Every Indian, Dr Moily said was talented in one or the other way and every human being is a perfect creature of the nature. Calling on the audience to encourage the talents, Dr Moily said parents, teachers and the institution have a major role in molding the future of children when they are in school. He urged the Institutions to provide a world class infrastructure to the students to support their studies and said quality education only can produce world class man power in our country. “When we have world class man power and world class infrastructure, the entire world will look up to India with respect,” said Moily adding that there was a urgent need for building the knowledge of economy and integrity in our work, and if we do so now, within 20 years India can be the superpower.

Dr Moily said that the University must take the leadership and encourage the students to pursue higher studies. He urged the faculty, administration and the parents to motivate the students by making education more interesting and maintain the excellence. University should acknowledge good colleges based on the development and quality of education in the colleges, because development of the college is the development of the University. He also said that the syllabus should be revised every year to include latest information as part of the education.

Dr. V S Acharya in his Presidential address said that Karnataka has created history in higher education. He also agreed with Dr Moily on the need for constant update in the syllabus. He said Mangalore University is only 30 year old compared to other universities in Bangalore and Mysore. Mangalore University is the youngest university and it has shown tremendous growth in higher education. He said while following the gross enrollement ratio we have to keep in mind the three things - they are Inclusive growth, retaining quality in education and quality product. In inclusive growth everyone should get opportunity for higher education. To retain quality in education, we have to teach the attitude with the help of counselors. And finally we have to see what we are producing, and the product must act as a catalyst and work for harmony. The government is spending 12,324 crores for education he said. While concluding he urged the students to inculcate the positive attitude within and become the strong pillars of the society. “You have better opportunities, better courses and better colleges to pursue your education,” he said and urged the students to utilize every opportunity which comes their way. Mangalorean

23/24 April 2011

2011-04-25T06:12:00.005+05:30

Artist U Ramesh Rao, presents an oil painting as memento!

Photos: Janardan Kodavoor

Private Schools which completed 20 years to receive Govt. Grant

2011-04-25T06:10:00.000+05:30

Katapadi, Mattu, 24 April 2011: “State BJP Government has come forward to give block grant to all Private Schools in the State which existed since 1987 to 2007” said Higher Education Minister Dr. V. S. Acharya. He was speaking during the felicitation program for the various representatives and achievers at Mattu Sandipani High School premises on Friday. He said that, the BJP Government upon coming to power in the state, has allotted rupees 128 crores in the first year and rupees 125 crores in the second year to the schools which established since the year 1987. During the cabinet meeting on Thursday the reservation issue on the recruitment of Teachers in Private Schools has been discussed and the approval on the same has been just received, said Dr. Acharya.

Kaup MLA Lalaji R. Mendon presided over the program. Udupi Shri Kaniyoor Mutt Seer Shri Vishwavallbhatheertha Swamiji performed Ashirvachana. On this occasion Mattu Vidhyavardhaka Sangha Founder President T. V. Rao, Udupi Jilla Panchayath President Katapadi Shankara Poojary, Taluk Panchayath Member Shrikar Anchan, Kavitha and also the donors who donated land for the Mattu Road were felicitated.

Manipal Indian Vikas Trust Administration Officer K. M. Udupa, Entrepreneur Pramod Madhvaraj, Nilavara Govardhanagari Trust Vishwasta Raghavendra Acharya, Jilla Panchayath Former President Sarasu Bangera, Kote Grama Panchayath President Pushpalatha, Vice President Dayananda Bangera, Lawyer Matti Ramachandra Rao, Lakshminarayana and Udupi Vasudeva Bhat were present on the occasion. Bellevision

Solar power target: 200 mw in 5 years

2011-04-22T09:52:00.002+05:30

In a bid to comply with the Union government’s direction that at least 2.4 per cent of total power consumed in the state should come from renewable sources, the cabinet on Thursday decided to set up 200 mw solar power plants over the next five years.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the cabinet, higher education minister Dr V.S. Acharya said the cost of power generation by such solar plants would be shared by ESCOMs and would not be a burden on consumers. “We have decided to go in phased manner and set up 40 mw units every year. At the end of five years, plants for production of 200 mw will be set up,’’ he added.

The government has made the estimation based on a similar unit set up near Kolar by the Union government. The 3 MW project was set up at a cost of around Rs 58 crore. Besides, the project had consumed a lot of place.

“We require a place which will have 245 days sun shine and there are many places in north Karnataka, which are suitable for such projects,”’ Dr Acharya said.

Meanwhile, the cabinet also decided to increase the share value of Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation from Rs 100 crore to Rs 150 crore. This would help students from minority communities to make use of educational loan up to Rs 50,000 at a rate of two per cent rate of interest.

Besides, the cabinet also extended administrative consent to the corporation for raising internal resources to the tune of Rs 25 crore, for Haj Bhavan at Tirumenahalli, near Yelahanka. The government had already sanctioned Rs 15 crore and allotted 3acres for the building.

Mysore University Graduation 2011

2011-04-12T05:31:00.002+05:30

Mysore, Apr. 11 (KMC&RK)- Union Law Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Narayana Hridayalaya Managing Director Dr. Deviprasad Shetty and People's Education Society (PES) Founder Chairman Prof. M.R. Doreswamy were conferred Honorary Doctorates by Higher Education Minister Dr. V.S. Acharya at the 91st Convocation of Mysore University yesterday.

The Convocation began two hours late at 6 pm since Dr. Acharya arrived late from Mangalore. (the delay was due to late arrival of special aircraft & bad weather en route). Governor-Chancellor H.R. Bhardwaj was absent. Renowned Sarod player Rajeev Taranath, who was also to receive the Doctorate, could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances. The posthumous Doctorate for Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who founded the University in 1916, will be presented on a later date at the Raj Bhavan in Bangalore. All the dignitaries on the dais donned the traditional gowns and Mysore peta, upholding Mysore tradition.In all, 17,757 candidates were awarded degrees, of whom 9,856 were women. The convocation address was delivered by Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Science & Technology, New Delhi.

Varsities must introduce value-based education: Dr. T. RamasamiMysore, Apr. 11 (RK&DM)- "It is high time Indian Universities introduced value-based Education" opined. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Science & Technology Department, Government of India.He was delivering the convocation address at the 91st Convocation of Mysore University.There has been a significant increase in the number of students opting for higher education in the country. Even the literacy rate has jumped from 64 to 74 percent. It is estimated that nearly 3 crore students may enrol for higher education in the country by the year 2035. There is a need for introducing a new education system that forges east with the west, which also envisaged betterment of the society as a whole. By doing so, India would become a major educational hub in the entire world, he observed.Continuing, Ramasami said India is globally recognised for its rich tradition of culture and heritage. Value-based education is our strength. As such, it is important that everyone in the society is educated for the sustenance of morality in education. It is high time we concentrated on public education, he pointed out.Stressing the need for effectively meeting the challenges ahead, Ramasami said a national movement should be launched for value-based education and wondered what prevented us from having an education system that caters to the need of our future. Star Of Mysore

Dr V S Acharya Inaugurates New Office of Kaup Circle Inspector

2011-04-11T06:09:00.001+05:30

Udupi, Apr 10: “The state has seen major growth in every sphere over the past five years chiefly due to the maintenance of law and order,” said district-in-charge minister Dr V S Acharya.
He was speaking after inaugurating the office of Kaup circle inspector which was built at a cost of Rs 14 lac during a function held here on Sunday April 10.

Dr Acharya announced that the state administration is committed to providing buildings, vehicles, armaments, and personnel to the police department as it intends to bring in reforms in the departmental set up.
Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, in his presidential address, urged the state administration to bring a few areas of Kaup legislative assembly constituency that come under the jurisdiction of Karkala sub-division into Udupi district. He also urged them to provide vehicles to Kaup and Shirva police stations. (Daijiworld)

Lobbying versus Logic

2011-04-10T06:23:00.011+05:30

The Hindu

Udupinet

INTL. MEET ON 'RE-ENGINEERING OF MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

2011-04-09T05:01:00.002+05:30

Mysore, Apr. 8 (KK&DM)- Higher Education Minister Dr. V.S. Acharya inaugurated the two-day international meet on 'Re-engineering of Management Education' at Cauvery Auditorium of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Acharya said the State has achieved a 13.15 % growth in higher education. There were a total of 138 lakh students enrolled in the State studying in classes ranging from first standard to PG courses. There were 103 lakh students studying in classes from 1st to 10th std, 25 lakhs for PUC, ITI and polytechnic courses and 10 lakhs for degree and PG courses. The State government has plans to increase the enrollment in collegiate education from the present 10 lakhs to 25 lakh over the next 7 years, he said.

Continuing, Dr. Acharya said the State government will give due importance to Management Education in this era of globalisation. Budgetary allocation for education in the State stood at Rs. 4,400 crore in 2004 while this figure touched Rs. 12, 284 crore five years later. In addition to this, private institutions too have made significant contribution to the field of education, he remarked. Pointing out that Karnataka has been recognised as the education hub in the Asian continent, Dr. Acharya said the state has over the years become a favourite destination for Asian students to pursue higher education.

Complimenting KSOU for its MBA course, Dr. Acharya said the increasing demand for the course is a good sign. Of late, there has been an increasing gap between education and employment and it is time for everyone concerned to introspect on the urgent need for bridging this gap, he said.

Josef Jooste Coetzee of Johannesburh, South Africa, delivered the keynote address. KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa presided.

Sanjeev Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Financial Services, New Delhi, Tushar Girinath, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate Education, KSOU Dean Prof. Jagadeesha, Registrar K.R. Jayprakash Rao were present.

Minister Acharya, Coetzee, Sanjeev Bajaj and Tushar Girinath were felicitated by the KSOU on the occasion.

Company representatives, MBA and Business Management students and experts from across the country and the world are taking part in this 2-day meet which concludes tomorrow with the valedictory address by Prof. K.B. Akhilesh of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore at 4 pm. Star Of Mysore

34 beneficiaries get autos under ITDP

2011-04-04T05:24:00.001+05:30

The district administration in association with Zilla Panchayat, Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP) Udupi, Udupi City Municipality Corporation and Syndicate Bank organised programme to distribute auto-rickshaws to the beneficiaries belonging to Koraga community under ITDP project here at Ambedkar Bhavan on Sunday.

Speaking after giving away the keys of the auto-rickshaws to the beneficiaries, Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya said the government is taking all measures to support the primitive tribes in the State. Education, employment, nutrition, housing amenities for SC/ST and Koraga communities are some of the areas that are given more thrust by the government. About Rs 4,633 crore is allocated by the government as special component earmarked for the welfare programmes of SCs. The amount allocated during previous year was Rs 3,300 crore. Special financial component of Rs 1,800 crore for ST have been separately announced in the budget, he said. About Rs 300 crore has been earmarked to develop the hamlet areas belonging to SC/ST and as many as 300 areas have been identified for the purpose. Measures are being taken to introduce skill development programmes for the students belonging to SC/ST and funds will be released for the programme shortly, he said.

Dr Acharya urged the beneficiaries to maintain cordial relationship with the customers and pay the installments of the loan on time, he said.

The government has given about Rs 80,000 for the auto-rickshaw under ITDP project and Syndicate Bank has offered Rs 20,000 each to the auto-rickshaw. The CMC has provided a sum of Rs 20,000 to the beneficiaries residing within the CMC limits for the auto. As many as 34 beneficiaries were given auto-rickshaws on the occasion. Cheques were given away to as many as 6 beneficiaries under housing schemes and 9 for higher education programme under ITDP project on the occasion.

DHNS

Praise for teachers

2011-04-03T16:27:00.003+05:30

The spurt in India's literacy rate from 12 per cent during Independence to over 74 per cent, according to the latest census is a credit to the teachers of the country, Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya has said.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of Vijaya Teachers' College here on Saturday, Dr. Acharya said the overall literacy rate had grown from 64.8 per cent in the past decade. Indicators of education and health had seen a steady progress, which would have been impossible without the dedicated effort of teachers.

The focus of the education system now, said Dr. Acharya, should be on gearing it towards the present demands of the competitive world and the changed nature of the economy. “Along with traditional education, we need a thrust on skill development and aptitude training,” he said. There were dramatic changes post 1992 and the education system had to adapt to the changing scenario, he said.

Teachers and heads of various institutions affiliated to Vijaya educational institutions were felicitated. Minister for Urban Development, Law and Parliamentary Affairs S. Suresh Kumar and Jayanagar MLA B.N. Vijaya Kumar were present. News from TheHindu, Photo from the net.

Journalism: let it be positive, factual,Catalyst for development.

2011-03-20T16:48:00.004+05:30

Pa Go Award ceremony at Mangalore

(Pics: Daijiworld)

Mangalore: Laxmi Machina, a Belthangady-based journalist has bagged the Padyana Gopalakrishna (Pa Go) Award for excellent rural reporting at the Press Club on March 20, Sunday. The award has been instituted by the Pa Go Memorial Trust.

Participating as the chief guest, State Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya felicitated the award winner with a memento, a citation, and a shawl and the cash prize of Rs. 5001 sponsored by Dr. Veerendra Heggade, the dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala.

Dr Acharya said that these awards, which are given in recognition of excellent reporting, encourage other journalists to give qualitative reports too. Earlier the ministers had the feeling that Dakshina Kannada has developed a lot, but the news paper report by some reporters made to realize that still they are from many developments. This kind of works must be done further which will realize the responsibility of the district administration and ministers.

He also said that the newspapers of today focus on the negative happenings in society; this must be avoided because a lot of good also happens, which, if reported, will give people a positive feeling toward society. Further speaking on various developments he said that the state has appointed the knowledge commission and higher educational council.

Machina, bagged the award for his news report titled “Banjarumale Abhivruddi Kanasu – Kadinalli Kayuthave Kutumbagalu,” which was published in Udayavani dated Aug 26, 2010, was selected for this award.

Harsha, President of Dakshina Kannada Working Journalist’s Union and Secretary Guruvappa Balepuni, Vishweshwar Bhat, son of Pa Go and U Narasimha Rao were present.

Harish Rai, secretary of Press Club, welcomed the gathering and the guests and proposed vote of thanks. Anand Shetty, president of Press Club briefed on the award.

Another dream true: Udupi DC office complex

2011-03-19T17:50:00.005+05:30

Udupi DC office complex at Rajatgiri, Manipal

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

MANIPAL: The newly-built Udupi DC complex at the sprawling Rajathadri, Manipal will be officially inaugurated and dedicated to the public on or before May 10, 2011, said higher education and district in-charge minister V S Acharya, in Manipal on Saturday. Acharya, along with Udupi DC and others visited the new building site for its final inspection and review.

Acharya told mediapersosns the new DC complex will be a state-of-the-art building as it is a fusion of new architecture excellence and the old elegance. A total Rs 27.15 crore have been spent on the building and another Rs 2 crore will be specially sanctioned for the purchase of modern furniture. He said the construction work which was allotted to Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) and was executed by the contractor K Vasudeva Shetty of Deviprasad Construction Company, Kaup, have done good work within the stipulated time. He said with the total of 1,34,000 sqft plinth area and adequate car parking, and parking stations for buses, autorikshaws, the DC complex at Manipal looks magnificent.

Acharya said other DC office, ZP office and 40 other government department offices will function from this new building. Acharya instructed both Udupi DC P Hemalatha and PWD executive engineer Suresh Shetty to carry out liaison work with KHB for the faster completion of the interior and other pending works, so that the new complex will be completed in all respects much before the inaugural day.

Hemalatha, Udupi DC, Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat, Udupi ZP president Katpady Shankar Poojari and district leaders Udyakumar Shetty and Somashekar Bhat had accompanied Acharya during his visit to the new DC complex in Manipal. (news TOI)

5/6 March 2011

2011-03-07T06:04:00.003+05:30

Pics: Janardan Kodavoor

Bangalore University

2011-03-02T06:17:00.003+05:30

Karnataka: Knowledge hub of Asia!

2011-03-01T05:27:00.002+05:30

Mangalore Feb 28: The Karavali Group of Colleges held a Lamp Lighting ceremony and Graduation day on 27 February 2011 at Karavali College Premises, Kottara Chowki, Mangalore. The program began by invoking God's blessings. Lavita welcomed the guests and the gathering. A floral welcome was given to all the dignitaries on the dais.

Addressing the students, V S Acharya (Hon'ble Minister for Higher Education, Govt of Karnataka, said that lighting of the lamp is a very significant moment and is very important for the students. This is the day when one should remember Florence Nightingale who brought dignity to the nursing profession.

The outgoing graduates should take the challenges because they are now educated nurses with a great profession. In India, Dakshina Kannada is famous for medical education and is called as the knowledge hub of Asia, he said. He also told the graduates that they were very lucky to be a part of this institution. He urged the parents to encourage their children to take up higher studies and to become more and more knowledgeable in the society, as parents best gift for their children was education. Ganesh Rao (Hon'ble Founder Chairman, G R Education Trust (R)) congratulated the rank holders. About 450 students of Karavali college from the following courses B Sc Nursing, B Pharma, B. Sc., Fashion design, B Sc Interior Design, B Sc Hospitality Science, MSW, BBM, BCA, B Ed, D Ed, were felicitated on the occasion. First rank holder from Mangalore University, Srimathi Kamath and Sindhu from B Sc Garment design were felicitated with gold medals by the management. There was a cultural programme by the students which depicted the richness of our great culture. (visit Mangalorean, for full report/ all images)

Cabinet Meet 22.02.201

2011-02-23T06:19:00.002+05:30

A push to make farming profitable

BANGALORE: In order to create an environment for robust growth in the agriculture sector, the state cabinet on Tuesday approved an integrated Karnataka agri-business development draft policy.

"The policy will dwell on an integrated agriculture development scheme to assure benefits of different schemes to farmers, on time making agriculture a profitable proposition," higher education minister V S Acharya told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

If the policy comes through, Acharya said, integrated farming techniques that connects livestock management with crop production will give rural development and agri-business in the state, the much-needed boost.Stating that farmers are key contributors and stake holders in sustainable rural development, the minister said an integrated approach that enables optimum use of resources, can change their (farmers) destiny.Acharya said the government will also ensure that funds available under various agriculture schemes and projects are spent properly, in the larger interest of farmers.

WHAT IT HOLDS: Develop a good institutional model to support both agriculture production and the agro-processing sector, to address the entire value-chain. To develop good business models and address the value chain through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, instituting a synergic and end-to-end model to attract more private investments. To develop a mechanism to reallocate agriculture workforce, who are involved in primary production to the agri-service sector by encouraging entrepreneurship

Other decisions:

The state cabinet on Tuesday approved introduction of the new draft policy to promote Kannada film industry which is going through troubled times for the past few years. "We will further fine-tune the draft policy before tabling it in the House," higher education minister V S Acharya told reporters after the cabinet meeting here. The new policy will facilitate improving the sagging image of the industry, with innovative measures and will also provide subsidies in a big way. The government will also bring some form of regulations to curb dubbing and remake of cinemas.

The cabinet also approved setting up of the Sahyadri Heritage Development Authority and an action plan to develop heritage centres at Shimoga, Uttara Kannada and Chikmagalur districts with a fund of Rs 9 crore. The cabinet also gave its nod to the draft copy of the Karnataka Public Trust Act for extending jurisdiction and services of public trusts in Mumbai-Karnataka region. "A new charity commission for the region will also be set up with a retired judge heading it," Acharya said. It was also agreed that two new members Abhijit Das Gupta and Musa Kui Nayar Mule will be selected as members of Karnataka Administration Tribunal. The duos' names have been sent to President Pratibha Patil for approval. Enhancement of retirement benefits to Anganwadi teachers and helpers with honorary retirement benefits of Rs 60,000 and 30,000 respectively and honorary retirement pension of Rs 500 and Rs 350 respectively, with extension of retirement age to 60 years Rs 25.32 crore for diverting water from other sources to Jambadahalli dam near Tarikere.

2011-02-22T05:44:00.001+05:30

Who sponsored Church Attacks (and the events thereafter)?

2011-02-21T05:25:00.005+05:30

CLICK HERE FOR AN ANSWER

Need for reforms in BU guidelines

2011-02-21T05:23:00.001+05:30

The higher education minister feels the existing model adversely affects the quality of education as backlog is permitted without a cap. Statistics reveal hundreds of final year graduate students haven’t cleared a single paper in the first two years

Higher education minister V S Acharya has shot off a letter to BU asking it to check the current model, where a student can study for three years without passing a single subject.

In his letter, the minister referred to the deteriorating quality of education because of the carry-over system. He pointed out that while technical and medical education had a cap on the carry-over system, there were no checks and balances in degree education.

There are five papers in the first semester and another five in the second. A student can easily go to the second year without clearing any of the ten papers. Similarly, a student is also eligible to move to the third year with a backlog of another 10 papers (including the third and four semesters).

Bangalore Mirror/ Sridhar Vivan

Sources say hundreds of students are studying in the third year with a backlog of 20 papers.

The minister’s letter comes at a time when BU’s semester system has been targeted by educationists. BJP MLC and educationist M R Doreswamy Naidu too had asked Acharya to review the BU model sometime ago. Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, Doreswamy said, he had raised the issue in the legislative council as well, but he did not receive a convincing answer.

He had seen many students suffer because of the existing pattern. “I have seen students go to college everyday and their parents have no clue that their children have actually failed in all the subjects. A student who failed in all the 20 subjects in both the years was struggling to write 32 papers in one year. This type of system only serves to bring down the quality of education.

It is high time we changed the system”, he said, adding that the huge backlog generally made students desperate.

BU vice-chancellor N Prabhu Dev said he had indeed received a letter from Acharya. “We have constituted a committee of deans to look into the issue. Based on their recommendation, we will decide on the future course of action.” Meanwhile, Doreswamy has suggested that BU should impose a cap on students to complete all the papers in the first two years before they actually enter the third year. “Similarly, a student should be allowed to enter the next year only if he clears a minimum of two subjects.”

But students think otherwise. Anand Raj, a third year BA student, said, “This will affect students adversely. Unlike VTU, BU does not have a supplementary exam system. This means a student will have to sit at home for one year if he fails in his exam. So, the varsity needs to look into all aspects before modifying the existing system.”

Cabinet Meet 17.02.2011

2011-02-18T05:12:00.001+05:30

The Karnataka government Thursday extended the Unique Identification (UID) number project Aadhaar to the remaining 28 districts of the state following its successful implementation in Tumkur and Mysore districts.

'The cabinet has decided to implement Aadhaar in all districts to ensure every citizen residing across the state has a UID number, which will be helpful in establishing one's identity for several benefits,' the state's Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya told reporters here.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), set up by the central government under the chairmanship of Nandan N. Nilekani, co-founder of IT bellwether Infosys Technologies Ltd, is the implementing agency in coordination with the state's e-governance department.

'The process of registering will be taken up in phases beginning with Bangalore Rural district on April 1 and in the city in May. We propose to cover the entire state by December,' Acharya said.

According to the state's e-governance Principal Secretary M.N. Vidashankar, citizens above 15 years of age have to furnish documentary evidence prescribed by the authority as proof of identity, home address and date of birth under 'know your resident information'.

'Biometric details such as photograph, fingerprints and iris (prints) will be taken during registration for preparing the UID number card. For children below 15 years, a number will be given on the basis of birth certificate and their number will be part of the parental card,' Vidyashankar said.

The UID project was initiated in the state on a pilot basis in October 2010 and has covered about 650,000 people in Tumkur and Mysore districts till date.(Sify)

Polytechnic teachers, rejoice! The state cabinet on Thursday decided to implement the Sixth Pay Commission report for teachers of state government and aided polytechnics across the state. This decision will double their salaries. Besides, it will also attract quality lecturers.

Higher education minister V S Acharya said the new pay scales will cost the exchequer Rs 71 crore more. The cabinet also cleared the National Ayurvedic Food Technologies Research Centre and Hospital at Uttarahalli in Bangalore South.

Ban on endosulfan: The state government banned the use of endosulfan across Karnataka, after considering reports of its disastrous effects on the health of villagers in Dakshina Kannada district. The problems ranged from neurological disorders to asthma, cancer and mental retardation. (TOI)

Hindu minorities react: On Thursday, the government brought the accounts of Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists under the muzrai department, evoking mixed reactions from these religious minorities. The government offered no explanation for its move
.

Krishi Mela 2011

2011-02-07T05:21:00.001+05:30

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Protocol, not allergy

2011-02-03T06:35:00.003+05:30

Mediamen seem to be judgemental, when it comes to few issues. Entry to the media is restricted for brainstorming sessions, policymaking meetings. However the media release by a responsible spokesperson is always available.

It would be timely to recall

"“People like me, who should be giving you the right information are under pressure to hype up the information”.

“During this process they [young journalists] forget what is right and wrong. It is imperative to respect the individuals, their privacy and most important the story should be accurate. More often television channels use words like “first on”, “exclusive”, which have no meaning. Getting the story right is very important,”

Rajdeep Sardesai

President, Editors’ Guild of India

(The Hindu/ Mediamirchi)

Website of Higher Education Council

2011-02-02T06:25:00.001+05:30

Remembering Bannanje Ramacharya

2011-02-01T20:26:00.002+05:30

Pic: Janardan Kodavoor

Udupi, Feb 2: “Many have risen to fame by using Kannada daily, ‘Udayavani’ as a platform. But, Bannanje Ramacharya was a unique personality, who made ‘Udayavani’ famous,” said district in-charge minister, Dr V S Acharya. He was speaking at the Bannanje Ramacharya Memorial Felicitation Function organized on Tuesday February 1 at the auditorium of Hotel Kediyoor here.

The function was organized under the aegis of K Satischandra Hegde Memorial Green Park Central School, Car Street Friends, and Kaup Vidyaniketan Group of Educational Institutions. It was presided over by Bannanje Govindacharya. Owner of Hotel Kediyoor, Bhuveanendra Kediyoor, and Sarvanjna Bannanje of Padumannur Publications, participated as chief guests. Acharya said Ramacharya deserves full credit for introducing quality language and attractive presentation techniques, through ‘Udayavani’. Hailing Ramacharya as a person who steadfastly followed a task once he takes it up, Acharya termed him as a progressive thinker, secularist, and revolutionary with a liberal outlook.

(report: Daijiworld)

Udupi Municipality 75

2011-01-31T20:14:00.003+05:30

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

28.01.2011: Govt Polytechnic: Foundation for Hostel

2011-01-28T16:24:00.002+05:30

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Republic Day 2011

2011-01-28T16:18:00.004+05:30

Udupi, Jan 26: Under the joint aegis of district Republic Day Celebrations Committee and district administration the 62nd Republic Day celebrations was held at Ajjarakadu Mahatma Gandhi Ground here on Wednesday January 26. “With the view to fulfill constitutional aims and motives, the state government has proposed and implemented several developmental projects so far and it will always strive hard for the well-being of the citizens”, said Dr V S Acharya, state higher education minister after the flag hoisting.

He further said that preserving the natural resources and tradition of the district is a responsibility of every citizen. The state government will ensure equal opportunities and facilities for all, he added.

Developmental Projects

Throwing light on the various developmental plans undertaken by the government, Acharya informed that a budget of 20 lac has been reserved for the setting up of tourist resorts and improvement of tourist locations. Under Gramodaya plan a budget of Rs 24.10 crore has been set aside to solve the water-related issues and for the setting up of houses for the poverty-stricken families.

Approximately 220 lac has been reserved for the self-help organizations and for the aid of physically challenged people. Acharya also briefed on some other proposed plans and highlighted some of the developmental plans like Yashaswini and Bagyalaxmi which has benefitted the people at large.

MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Zilla Panchayat president Gladis Almeida, town municipal president Kiran Kumar, vice-president Bharati Chandrashekar, Taluk Panchayat president Shyamala Sudhakar among othetr prominent leaders were present on the occasion.

Felicitations

For excelling in sports, Akkunje Ashwaini Shetty, Karkala Mamatha Poojary, Preethi, Soumyashree, Udayakumar Shetty Kannar, Arunakala S Rao and U Sudha Prabhu were conferred the Republic day award by Acharya.

Ashtro Mohan for wildlife photography, Mohammad Taajam Gangolli for Bravery too bagged the Republicday honour.

A splendid display of March Past by NCC cadets, police personnel, students among others were held on the occasion. The students of various schools and colleges also presented various cultural programmes portraying national spirit.

Report/ More Photos @ Daijiworld

Photos by Janardan Kodavoor

Cabinet Meet 18.01.2011

2011-01-19T05:59:00.000+05:30

Bangalore,Jan 18 (PTI) Karnataka Government today enhanced allocation for the state's first DNA Centre from Rs four crore to Rs 12.15 Crore to fund its expansion and research activities. A sum of Rs four crore had been earmarked for the Centre in the 2010-11 budget and another Rs 8.15 crore was sanctioned today at a cabinet meeting, Minister for Higher Education V S Acharya told reporters here after the meeting. The Centre functioning at the Dharwad University is engaged in research work in genetic diseases like Haemophilia, Anemia,Sickle Cell,Breast Cancer, Uterine Cancer among others. The cabinet approved payment of revised AICTE payscales to teaching staff in 19 aided engineering colleges with retrospective effect from April one, 2010, Acharya said. Following the revision of scales, the pay slabs for lecturers would increase from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 to Rs 19,000, Associate Professors and professors from Rs 12,000-18,000 to Rs 37,400-67,000. The meeting approved the proposal of Karnataka State Road Transport Coproration to raise Rs 200 crore loan in two packages of Rs 100 crore each and also that of the BBMP for a similar amount. The cabinet meeting decided to conduct the state's first ever Agricultural Investment meet during this May-June, Acharya said.

Karnataka to promote smaller cities as tech hubs

Bangalore: Four electronic hardware parks and promotion of smaller cities as tech-hubs are proposed in Karnataka's new information technology and electronics hardware policy, state minister V.S. Acharya said on Tuesday.

The new policy will promote IT and related industries in smaller cities, the medical education minister said.

The electronic hardware parks will come up in the regions of Bangalore-Tumkur and Mysore-Nanjangud in the south, Shimoga-Hassan in central part, and Hubli-Dharwad in the north, Acharya, who is also the cabinet spokesman, told reporters. He added that the government will provide Rs 25 crore for the project in the 2011-12 state budget to be presented in February.

About 1,000 acres of land has been identified for setting up each of the parks, Acharya said.

Karnataka has exported software worth Rs 75,000 crore so far in current financial year that ends March 31.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said in October that he hoped the export to touch Rs 90,000 crore by March. IBN Live

State Enacts Legislation to Amend Mulageni Tenancy System

2011-01-17T05:36:00.000+05:30

Bangalore, Jan 16: A long-awaited legislation for amending land tenure system, more commonly known as Mulageni Land Tenancy system, was passed by both the Houses of Legislature recently.

Mulageni Tenancy System, which means tenancy of land in perpetuity, was introduced decades ago to satisfy the condition of land possession then. For more than a century, this system was not reformed due to the lackadaisical attitude of past political and ruling classes of society. Both the Mulagers (landlords) and Mulagenidars (tenants) suffered doubts of title ship of lands under this system thereby preventing development activity of any kind on such lands.

The recent developments in real estate have brought focus on these lands due to acute shortage of viable lands for residential/commercial development especially in urban areas. These lands, situated in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and North Kanara and parts of Kodagu districts of the erstwhile Madras province during British rule, came under the Mulageni system.

The new enactment confers right on the Mulgeni tenants to become owners of the holdings in their possessions while giving compensation specified to the landlords.

The law seems to solve the problem without causing any pain, hardship, or loss to the landlord while the tenant earns what he justly deserves. The landlord is entitled to receive a compensation equivalent to 500 times the annual rent in the case where there is no restraint against alienation and in other cases the compensation would be 1,000 times the annual rent. The tenant shall be the absolute owner of the lease held in his possession when he deposits the amount.

The MLAs of coastal region of Karnataka have done a very laudable work in enacting this welfare legislation. Mulageni Okkalu Rakshana Vedike put a great effort towards enactment of this Bill. Daijiworld

Alva`s Virasat 2011: Day5

2011-01-16T17:13:00.002+05:30

Violin players Dr Mysore Manjunath, Mysore Nagaraj and contrabass flutist Ned Mc Goven from America being felicitated by Dr V S Acharya. Dr Mohan Alva, has been organizing this cultural festival at Moodabidri from the past many years.

Develop innovative minds

2011-01-16T09:52:00.000+05:30

UDUPI: Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya stressed the need to pay attention towards the study of basic science. Children should be made to show interest in basic science.

Delivering presidential address at three-day UGC sponsored national conference on “Astronomy and Astrophysics”, jointly organised by Poorna Prajna College (PPC), Udupi and Association of Physics Teachers of Mangalore University , he said that India will play a vital role in the next 40 years in the world of knowledge. India is poised to become top nation by 2020. The development of human resource is essential for the progress of the country. There is great need to develop innovative minds and attitudes in our schools and colleges, he said. He said astronomy and astrophysics is one of the emerging sciences.

Even before the invention of telescope, our ancestors had the knowledge on the movement of planet and stars. ‘Vedas and Vedanta’ have vast knowledge on astronomy, mathematics, medicines and chemistry. Dakshin Times

India is now the land of growth opportunities

2011-01-13T04:48:00.001+05:30

India is the land of growth opportunities, S. Ramadorai, Vice Chairperson of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), told youngsters, addressing the eighth graduation ceremony of PES Institutions held here earlier in the week.

Dr. Ramadorai was the chief guest.

Fifteen ranks

PESIT secured 15 ranks in the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) examinations with four first ranks in MCA, M. Tech, CSE and ECE.

These rank holders were conferred gold medals by Higher Education Minister V.S. Acharya on the occasion. TheHindu

IT can enable the disabled

2011-01-12T05:57:00.001+05:30

While giving employment to the differently-abled, the society should view it as fulfilling their rights and not as an act of charity.

This was the thrust of a national conference — ‘IT for persons with disabilities’— held by the state department of information technology, biotechnology and science and technology on Monday.

Participating in this first-of-its kind conference, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said the event was a small step to help the unfortunate. “We need to provide them opportunities for better education and hone their skills so that they are gainfully employed,” he said.

After the government sector, the IT industry has the potential to employ numerous disabled people. While the government sector provides reservation for the disabled, there are no such provisions in the private sector. “As part of the corporate social responsibility, companies should take up the initiative,” he said.

However, Prof MK Sridhar, executive director and member-secretary for Karnataka Jnana Aayoga (Karnataka Knowledge Commission), felt that a rights-based vision should be the approach towards the differently-abled, rather than a charity-based one. “The differently-abled should be employed based on their rights and companies need not have to take up employing them as part of their corporate social responsibility,” he said.

He emphasised on empowering the physically challenged by catering to their specific needs, making use of technology. The information and communications technology, which has the potential to aid the differently-abled, should be used, he said.

Minister of higher education VS Acharya too said technology should be put to use to help the differently-abled. “The central and state governor, in private sector, a lot of options could be explored,” he said. Photo:Pics4news/ Report: DNA)

Who won? Depends on which newspaper you buy

2011-01-05T21:46:00.003+05:30

Gauging the mood of the people from zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections is akin to touching different parts of an elephant with a blindfold and arriving at conclusions that suit you.

It’s all in the interpretation.

The lead headlines from the two leading Kannada newspapers show us why.

The BJP’s hold over the 30 ZPs has gone up from 4 in 2005 to 12 this year; the number of seats its members occupy in those ZPs has shot up three fold from 145 to 441.

Out of the 176 TPs, BJP has gained control over 68 of them, more than the Congress (31) and JDS (29) put together.

Yet, for Vijaya Karnataka, which is furiously pedalling backwards, it is “aralada kamala”, the lotus that didn’t bloom. And, for Praja Vani, it is “aralida kamala”, the lotus that bloomed.

So, has the lotus bloomed because its ZP tally has entered double digits, or has it not bloomed because it has not been able to obtain a stranglehold like the Congress did in 2005, winning 22 of the 27 ZPs?

Courtesy: Churumuri

03.01.2011, Cabinet Meet

2011-01-04T05:40:00.004+05:30

BANGALORE: Gas connectivity to your kitchen through pipelines is closer to reality. The state cabinet on Monday gave approval to pipeline connection from Dabhol in Maharashtra to Bangalore.

A joint venture (JV) company involving Karnataka State Industrial Investment Development Corporation (KSIIDC) and Gas Authority of India Ltd ( GIAL) will be formed to distribute gas in Bangalore.

Initial investment has been pegged at Rs 100 crore, where KSIIDC will invest 24%, GAIL 26% and the rest by private companies. "Distribution is likely to start from June 2012,'' higher education minister V S Acharya said.

GAIL has taken up the Dabhol-Bangalore 16 million metric standard cubic meter per day ( MMSCMD) gas pipeline passing through Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Bellary, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Ramanagaram, Bangalore Rural and Bangalore Urban, at an estimated investment of Rs 5,000 crore.

In addition, gas supply to Karnataka will be augmented by another pipeline being laid by GAIL through Kochi-Koottanad-Mangalore-Bangalore city, with estimated investment of Rs 3,300 crore. Further, the Krishna-Godavari line promoted by Reliance is also in the pipeline.

Slums to go vertical
Space-strapped Bangalore will see slums going vertical in future. The cabinet has approved the slum redevelopment scheme - to construct multi-storeyed buildings for slum dwellers.

This means, 28,118 dwelling units will be built in 152 slums which will benefit 1,40,590 people. The parliamentary standing committee on urban development had recommended that slums go vertical so that more number of people can be accommodated in less space.

Of the projects approved under JNNURM scheme, 17.60% is reserved for basic services to the urban poor.

Once multi-storeyed buildings are built, the government will give 15-year occupancy right to beneficiaries and later it'll be converted to absolute ownership. (TOI)

State to students: Get cash, buy a cycle

Jan. 3: Facing a series of allegations over corruption in the purchase of bicycles for distribution among school children, the state government on Monday decided to emulate Bihar which has started giving the beneficiaries money to purchase cycles on their own.

Speaking to the media after a Cabinet meeting, higher education minister Dr V.S. Acharya said that with the Opposition demanding a probe into the alleged scam, the state government could not take a final decision on floating tenders for the bicycle supply scheme. “As the academic year is coming to an end, it’s too late to call for tenders or purchase cycles and distribute them. Hence, the state government has decided to award `2,250 to every beneficiary so that they can purchase cycles by themselves,” he explained.

Replying to a question, Dr Acharya said the government will disburse `133 crore to the beneficiaries by opening zero balance accounts in all banks in their names. This is to make sure that parents do not utilise the money for some other purpose, he explained.

In response to a question, Dr Acharya asserted that the state government was not doing anything unusual by releasing money to zero balance accounts as this was an accepted norm in most government welfare schemes. “Even in Bihar where cycles are being given to school students, money is being transferred to the beneficiary’s account instead of purchasing cycles and distributing them,” he said.

He said this was a one-time measure which had been adopted due to lack of time. Cycles will be purchased and distributed from the next academic year, he added. (Deccan Chronicle)

Draft Bill of Mulgeni Rights

The state administration has prepared a draft of Mulgeni Rights Bill in order to address several years of grievances by Mulgeni right owners and tenants in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The draft of Bill was approved in the cabinet meeting held here on Monday January 3, while it will be tabled in the assembly shortly. Addressing the media persons after the cabinet meeting, state higher education minister Dr V S Acharya said that the draft bill likely to be approved in the assembly, will entitle the tenants to get substantial amount of compensation, which will be 500 or 1000 times of the geni to the muladars. Mulgeni Rights were revoked after the enforcement of Karnataka Land Tribunal Act, which caused major hindrances to both Mulgeni right owners and tenants. The bill was drafted in order to resolve the long pending issue.

Photo Courtesy: Kanwar Singh

Higher Education: Emphasis on common academic calendar

2010-12-23T19:20:00.002+05:30

Karnataka most favourable domestic investment destination

2010-12-23T05:42:00.001+05:30

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

5-point development plan for State

2010-12-21T04:56:00.001+05:30

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

Udupi Utsava 2010

2010-12-18T20:24:00.001+05:30

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor

Karnataka Govt to Consider Establishment of IPER in State

2010-12-18T20:05:00.002+05:30

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

Nanotech can herald revolution in diagnostics

2010-12-16T05:50:00.001+05:30

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

2010-12-16T05:32:00.001+05:30

Photo: Janardan Kodavoor