After HDK’s push, Kukke temple panel approves Rs 77-cr golden chariot project

News Network
April 30, 2019

Mangaluru, Apr 30: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has revived a long-pending project for building a golden chariot for the famous Kukke Surahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada district, a move which has drawn flak even as reports linked it to his astrological belief. 

After the CM asked officials to submit a fresh proposal before the state cabinet for the chariot, the managing committee of the temple on Monday approved a proposal at an estimated cost of Rs 77 crore. The funds will come from the temple’s own resources and contributions by devotees.

The government had in October 2005, given in-principle approval for a proposal to build the golden chariot at a cost of ₹15 crore with 240 kg of gold, when the late N. Dharam Singh was Chief Minister and administrative approval was given for it in March 31, 2006, when Mr. Kumaraswamy succeeded him.

The fresh initiative, however, has drawn flak from the state unit of BJP while reports in a section of media said Kumaraswamy has taken it up after being advised by astrologers that not completing the project may have implications on his political future. BJP Spokesperson and MLA Suresh Kumar in a tweet questioned whether Kukke Subrahmanya (reigning deity) will desire for a golden chariot (at such a cost) at the time when the state was facing shortage of drinking water. 

A release from the Chief Minister's Office said devotes of the temple met Kumaraswamy and brought to his notice about the Dharam Singh government's decision and requested him to resume the project.

"In this context, the Chief Minister has directed the officials submit a proposal before the cabinet after revising the estimates, considering today's market value of gold, construction cost," it said.

Noting that the project was approved in 2005, the CMO said a government order was also issued for building the chariot at a cost of Rs 15 crore then. The government had given its approval to use the gold available with the temple and for purchasing the remaining requirement through banks, it said.

The order had stated that the chariot be built by using the resources of the temple and public donations, making clear no government grant could be utilised for the purpose.

Kukke Subrahmanya temple is said to be the richest among the shrines under the state Muzrai department, which administers several temples. Though the then government had given the clearance, the chariot project had not taken off till now.

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News Network
April 9,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 9: A special task force--set up by the government of Karnataka--submitted a report to the Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa, putting forward recommendations suggesting minimisation of restrictions in districts where there is nil or minimum cases, here on Wednesday.

The committee said: "COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients should be segregated and online health services should be encouraged. Restrictions should be minimised in districts where there is nil or minimum cases of COVID-19 and lockdown should be continued in hotspot areas with quarantine measures strictly being implemented."

With regards to the testing of likely patient, the committee informed that rapid test kits would help to quarantine more likely patient. "The rapid test kits will arrive in April 12. These kits will boost our facility and would help us in quarantining the more people."

On the subject of lifting transportation ban, the committee suggested that the transport of goods and services must continue but with regards to passenger carriers, they are suspended till April 30.

"Goods and Transportation should be allowed, but passenger carriers should be banned until further orders. No buses, trains nor flights will be plying till April 30. No metro trains and auto-rickshaws should be allowed and an odd-even system transport system should be implemented," the committee added.

The committee also suggested that all industries, IT, BT and Garments should be made to work on 50 per cent strength. Garments workers should be allowed to stitch PPEs, which are in more demand. And for construction workers, the committee suggested that they should be allowed to work at sites at 50 per cent strength.

They suggested that educational institutions remain closed till May 30 and online classes must be encouraged.

Dr. Devi Shetty heads the Taskforce and Dr. C. N. Majunath, Dr. Nagaraj, Dr. Ravi and Sudharshan were also the part of the committee.

According to the Ministry of health and family welfare, 181 cases have been reported in the state so far. A total of 5,734 positive cases have been reported of which, 166 are dead and 473 are cured/discharged and migrated.

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coastaldigest.com news network
July 27,2020

Udupi, Jul 27: Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa has appointed BJP leader Lalaji R Mendon as the new chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission.

Mendon is a three-time MLA from the Kapu Assembly constituency. During his second term as MLA, he was the Director in Konkan Railway’s Board.

Mr Yediyurappa has appointed 24 MLAs to different corporations in the state. Mendon is only one from coastal Karnataka.

Mendon is the only MLA representing BJP from fishermen's community. He was the president of Kaup unit of BJP Yuvamorcha. He also served as the state BJP secretary.

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News Network
July 21,2020

Bengaluru, Jul 21: Students who are Covid-19 positive but are asymptomatic will be allowed to write the Common Entrance Test (CET) scheduled on July 30 and 31 for entrance into professional courses in Karnataka.

According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare for CET, space should be allotted for students who have tested positive. Such students will have to be transported to and from the exam centre in an ambulance.

According to the SOP issued yesterday, candidates with COVID-19 “shall provide a risk consent certificate for taking up the exam.” The SOP also says “they shall inform about their status to the authorities concerned in advance to make the necessary arrangements.”

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