Mangaluru: MLA J R Lobo lauds PFI's national scholarship scheme

Mangaluru, Jan 18: Congress leader Siddaramaiah targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah soon after he arrived in Bengaluru on Saturday, demanding his answers on various questions pertaining to the state.

In a slew of tweets under the #AnswerMadiShah banner, Siddaramaiah raised issues ranging from the August 2019 floods to the recent police shootout in Mangaluru that killed two people during an anti-CAA protest.

On December 19, Jaleel (45) and Nausheen (24) were killed after the police opened fire during a protest against the CAA.

“Two innocent victims were killed in Mangaluru in what public opinion says that it is a fake encounter. You are the Home Minister of the country. Don't you think adequate investigation has to take place when people cry foul about the incident?” Siddaramaiah asked.

He further asked: “Mr Amit Shah, before investing time to brainwash people to accept your divisive policies, why don't you visit flood-affected areas again and assess if the Central government funds  are sufficient or not?”

The Congress leader pointed out that Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had claimed that Karnataka suffered losses of over Rs 35,000 crore due to the floods. “But your aid is just Rs 1,870 crore. When are you planning to give the remaining? Will there be any funds left after the implementation of CAA, NPR & NRC?” he added.

The former chief minister brought up the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute. It may be recalled that Shah, in the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2018, had promised a resolution to the dispute within six months if BJP was voted to power in the state.

“Mr. Amit Shah, your colleagues give contradictory statements on the initiation of Mahadayi project. Why is there a change in stance after elections? What is your stand on the issue,” Siddaramaiah asked.

Bengaluru, Jul 1: Eighteen private hospitals here have been slapped with a show-cause notice after a 52-year old patient with influenza-like illness symptoms died here on being allegedly denied admission by them citing "non- availability" of beds. 

Health Minister B Sriramulu on Wednesdy said refusal to provide treatment was not only inhuman but also illegal as he tagged a copy of the notice in a tweet. 

"Notice has been served to the hospitals taking cognisance of the (media) reports about the denial of admission to a patient in emergency. Denying medical assistance during emergency is not only inhuman but also illegal," he tweeted. According to a report, the son and nephew of the patient took him to the 18 hospitals on Saturday and Sunday but he was not admitted on the pretext of non-availability of beds or ventilators. 

The man died later. The Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare issued the show-cause notice to the top authorities of the hospitals under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishment (KPME) Act, 2007. 

"By denying admission to the patient, your hospitals have violated the provisions of the KPME Act. You are liable for legal action," the notice said, seeking replies within 24 hours as to why action should not be against the hospitals. 

This was a "clear violation" of providing medical assistance and admission necessitated under the agreed provision of the KPME registration. Private medical establishments cannot refuse or avoid treatment to patients suffering from COVID-19 or having symptoms, the common notice added. 

The incident comes in the backdop of repeated instructions by the government that hospitals cannot deny admission to the patients suffering from coronavirus or having symptoms.

Bengaluru, Jan 6: Former Governor of Karnataka T N Chaturvedi passed away on Sunday late night at a private hospital in Noida.
He was 90.

T N Chaturvedi served as of Comptroller and Auditor General of India from 1984 to 1989. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1991.

An officer of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Chaturvedi held several key posts after retirement including Governor’s post of Karnataka and Kerala. He was the governor of Karnataka from 2002 to 2007 and held additional post of Governor of Kerala following death of then Kerala governor Sikander Bakht. He held the post from Feb 2004 to June 2004 and was replaced by newly appointed Governor.

An officer of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Chaturvedi held several key posts after retirement including Governor’s post of Karnataka and Kerala.

Expressing grief on the demise of T N Chaturvedi Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, in a tweet said, “T N Chaturvedi was an administrator par excellence, towering intellectual and true nationalist and he was known for his erudition, integrity and knowledge. He had an illustrious career in public life and served every role with distinction.”

Even former Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde condoled Chaturvedi's demise. "Humble tributes to our ex-Governor of Karnataka TN Chaturvedi who passed away last evening. He was an outstanding bureaucrat who was CAG in the 90's before becoming the Governor of our state. May his soul attain Sadgati. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti!" Hegde tweeted.