Dammam: ‘Pragati’ commemorates Jamiyyatul Falah’s 30 years of selfless service

Kochi, Mar 1:Adheringto a policy of "zero tolerance" towards clergy who sexually exploit minors, Pope Francis has expelled a Kerala priestconvicted of rape from all priestly duties and rights, according to church officials.

Syro-Malabar Church priest Robin Vadakkumchery is currently serving a jail term for impregnating a 16-year-old girl in Mananthavady diocese.

"Vadakkumchery has been dispensed from the exercise of priestly duties and rights. That means he has been reduced to the state of a layman", a Church official told PTI.

He was suspended from priestly duties soon after the news about his crime was reported in early 2017.

A POCSO court in Thalassery last year had sentenced Vadakkumchery to 20 years of Rigorous Imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs three lakh on him.

The priest, 50, was the vicar of the local church in Kottiyur in Kannur district and manager at the school where the victim was studying.

He was arrested two years ago while trying to flee to Canada.

The Vatican's action came two years after Pope Francis made it clear that all bishops should adhere to a policy of "zero tolerance" for clergy who sexually exploit children.

On the occasion of 71st Republic Day of India, Qatar Indian Social Forum (QISF), Karnataka State organized a blood donation camp in Doha Qatar, in association with Hamad Medical Corporation on 31st January 2020, Friday.

At first, QISF Karnataka State Vice President, Ziaul Huq welcomed the guests, dignitaries and blood donors.

The Blood Donation Camp was inaugurated by ICC President Mr. Manikantan A P who was the Chief guest. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized that, Service to humanity is service to God. By donating the blood, not only we save the lives, but we get blessings also. He also said that punctuality is the key factor in these type of events and should be incorporated by all of us.

QISF Central Committee President, Sayeed Komachi highlighted the necessity and importance of donating the blood and assured QISF a socio cultural organization will always be ready for this noble cause.

Dr. Vishwantha Kini, a well known Radiologist in HMC motivated the donors.

The camp was started at    7.00 A M and ended at 5.30 PM in which 146 people donated the blood out of 185 people registered.

SKMWA President Abdul Majeed and Dr. Haroon from Asian Medical Centre, who were also the Guests in the programme praised the initiative and efforts of QISF. 

QISF Central Committee Vice President Salam Kunnamal, General Secretary Basheer Ahmed, Northern States President Fasiuddin, QISF State and Branch Committee members Lathif Madikeri, Zakariya Pandeshwar, Saleem Bangadi, Mujeebulla Khan, Nayeem Belapu, Ibrahim UB, Toufeeq, Anwar Angargundy, Rizwan Kalladka, Asif Bannur, Imtiyaz Karnad, Jaleel Kalladka, Haneef Montepadav, Rafiq Uppinangady and other members were present during the programme.

The program was presided and concluded by QISF Karnataka State President Nazeer Pasha.

Bengaluru, Apr 7: The Karnataka Government indicated today that it is too early to take a call now on lifting the nation-wide lockdown but said it’s in favour of its extension in COVID-19 hotspots in the country by at least an additional two weeks.

“We need to see for another few days before taking final call,” Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K, who is in-charge of all matters related to COVID-19, told news agency Press Trust of India when asked if the State is in favour of the rollback after the 21-day period ends on April 14.

The minister opined that the decision on its withdrawal should be based on the COVID-19 pandemic situation at the time in terms of number of cases and response to the outbreak.

When the lockdown is lifted, it has to be in a staggered and phased manner, and not at one go, Mr Sudhakar stressed.

“Where there are red alerts and zones, those zones, in my opinion, should continue to be in a lockdown situation at least for two weeks…till this month-end, I will request them (the Centre) to do this,” he said.

The Telananga Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend the 21-day national lockdown imposed to contain COVID-19 outbreak beyond April 14, saying it was essential to save lives.

Mr Sudhakar said the Karnataka government is facing financial challenges because of drastic fall in revenues due to the lockdown, adding, it would take “tough decisions” to cut expenditure.

The Finance Department is in the process of evaluating the state’s fiscal position.

“Finance department is gathering information…what is the need now, what should be the overall expenditure, how much we can save; financial support for unorganised and organised sector, along with stimulus to other sectors, we have to see where we stand financially,” the minister said.

“Based on that, we have to take certain steps for sure because after all the government runs on the exchequer money. Once the exchequer is stopped because of lockdown, we are not getting GST, no motor vehicle tax. No tax money is coming.”

Government also has to run right? he said.

He said commitment and obligations with regard to paying interest on loans taken at the national and international level would have to be met.

“So, there are some financial constraints, and financial challenges before the government. The Government will take tough decisions only after studying the entire finance (position of the State).”

The Telangana government last week announced pay cut for government employees.

The Union Cabinet on Monday approved a 30 per cent cut in salaries of all Members of Parliament and a two-year suspension of the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme.