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
June 2,2020

Bengaluru, Jun 2:  With easing of COVID-19 lockdown curbs, the Karnataka excise department has accorded permission for fresh brewing or production of beer and to sell it in microbreweries as takeaways.

"Permission is hereby accorded to microbreweries for fresh brewing/production and sale of beer as takeaway in glass, ceramic or stainless steel container (up to 2 litre) till 30-06-2020, or until further orders, whichever is earlier," the Excise Commissioner in a letter dated June 1 to Deputy Excise Commissioners of all districts said.

The opening and closing hours of the microbreweries shall be from 9 am to 9 pm, it said, adding that all other conditions as laid down will remain unaltered.

Earlier, in a letter dated May 12, the Excise Commissioner had "conditionally" granted permission for microbreweries to sell their beer stock as takeaway on experimental basis for the period from May 14 to June 30 or until exhaustion of existing beer stock, whichever is earlier.

It had called for measures like social distancing, cleanliness, usage of masks and sanitizers, among others, and had said, microbreweries situated in containment zones are not allowed to function.

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coastaldigest.com news network
May 30,2020

Mangaluru, May 30: Accusing the chief minister B S Yediyurappa led Karnataka government of ignoring frontline warriors against covid-19, Mangaluru MLA U T Khader has demanded immediate release of pending salaries of doctors, lab technicians and nurses hired under the National Health Mission.

Addressing a press conference in the city today, the former minister said that Congress would launch an agitation if the government fails to release the amount immediately.

The non-payment of salaries clearly shows that the government has no concern for the COVID-19 warriors who are serving on a contract basis for two months, he said.

Mr Khader said there are 23,000 personnel hired under the National Health Mission in Karnataka including 600 in Dakshina Kannada district alone.  All of them are waiting for their salaries for the last two months.

“Asha workers were also partially paid for the month of April. If the government had concern towards COVID-19 warriors, they would have paid extra for the doctors, nurses, and other workers who are working tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 at the grassroots level,” he added.

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News Network
June 20,2020

Udupi, Jun 20: Movement of heavy vehicles on Agumbe Ghat section was banned till October 15, following heavy rain lashing due to onset of South West Monsoon.

The Agumbe Ghat connects Shivamogga with the Udupi district. There is a possibility of landslides on either side of the Ghat road if movement of heavy vehicles is allowed during the monsoon, said Udupi DC G Jagadeesh in statement issued here on Saturday.

The movement of all heavy vehicles above 12 tonnes has been banned on the road. Till end of monsoon all the heavy vehicles have to move via Udupi-Brahmavar-Barkur-Shankaranarayana; Siddapura-Hosangady-Hulikal Ghat-Hosanagara-Theerthahalli; Udupi-Karkala-Bajagoli-S K Border-Kerekatte-Sringeri- Shivamogga.

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