Onam thanksgiving for migrants

August 24, 2012

onamKasargod, August 24: At a time when people from the northeast have been fleeing cities like Pune, Bangalore and Chennai fearing reprisal over violence against Muslims in Assam, the Kerala government has taken a reassuring decision to thank migrants in a unique way, coinciding with the festival of Onam.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has directed the state's labour department to distribute on Saturday what he calls an "Onam Kit" for free to every migrant worker, containing various food articles, in a gesture not just to assure them they were safe in his state, but also to thank them for their contributions.

"All migrants are our brothers and sisters. We have given a clear message that every migrant worker is safe in Kerala. We have also not allowed miscreants or anti-social element to create trouble for these people," Chandy said.

"Kerala needs their services in agriculture, construction, tourism, hotels and IT. So, as a gesture of goodwill, we have decided we will distribute Onam kits to all of them on Sturday. It will have everything for a good meal like rice, oil and sugar," Chandy told IANS here.

The move also comes just ahead of a global conclave called "Emerging Kerala" to be hosted in Kochi next month by the government to showcase the state as an investment destination with much potential during which officials want to remove the wrong perception about labour issues.

According to the chief minister, each Onam kit will cost the state exchequer around Rs.150 since the articles are being bought in bulk. Otherwise, it can cost around Rs.225-Rs.250 in the open market. Around Rs.10 crore has been already sanctioned for the scheme, which can serve 800,000 people.

Onam is Kerala's main festival, celebrated by all communities, marking the triumph of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a short Brahmin, Vamana, to tame the ego and might of king Mahabali, who was otherwise loved by his subjects. Onam marks the yearly sojourn of Mahabali to the state.

Going beyond the Onam kit, Chief Minister Chandy said he has also asked the labour department to examine how the migrant workers to Kerala can also be given access to welfare schemes that are otherwise available to ordinary residents.

He said officers of the labour department are also being periodically sent to inspect the living conditions of migrant labourers, whom Kerala sees as important contributors to the state's growth and prosperity.

"During these inspections, there were some complaints like rooms are very small, the sanitation is poor, quality of food is not good and things like that on living conditions. We have taken action wherever required and these people are very happy," Chandy said.

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News Network
January 10,2020

Chikkamagaluru, Jan 10: At least 15 RSS activists protesting against the 16th Chikkamagaluru District Kannada Sahitya Sammelan at Sringeri were detained, Police said here on Friday.

The Sangh Parivar activists gathered near the entrance of the hall where the event was being held and started sloganeering against the election of the leftist Kalkuli Vittal Hegde as the president of the literary gathering. The police then interfered and detained several protesters to bring situation under control.

Despite protests from the right wing organisations, the event went ahead and began as per the schedule.

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News Network
June 28,2020

Bengaluru, Jun 28: Criminal cases will be lodged against people for not adhering to the COVID-19 protocol in the city, said a top police official on Sunday.

"Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and BBMP (officials) are on the streets to enforce wearing of mask and social distancing. Warnings now, criminal cases will follow," said Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao.

He exhorted people to insist on everybody wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

"Urge every Bengalurean to enforce mask enforcement and social distancing. If people argue, call 100. We are ready to respond to your calls," said Rao.

Assuring the city residents, he said one should not worry about others being high and mighty while making sure everybody follows the Covid precautions.

"Don't bother about high and mighty factor, whosoever it is, just tell people around you to wear mask and not hanging around neck," said the Commissioner.

On Saturday, DCP Rohini Katoch Sepat conducted a special drive to ensure everybody is following the Covid rules.

"Conducted a special drive along with BBMP marshals, imposed fine for not wearing mask and social distancing," said Sepat.

The senior police officer had also sealed down some shops for not conforming to the social distancing directions.

Sepat personally made announcements through a megaphone, spoke to shopkeepers, pedestrians and walked the streets in enforcing the rules.

Similarly, Rao also warned commercial establishments of raids and legal action in the event of Covid rules violation.

"Shops, malls, banks, hotels, offices and establishments. All of you are already aware of precautions to be taken. If you do not implement mask wearing and ensure safe distance, city police will raid and initiate legal action," asserted Rao.

On Friday, Bengaluru North DCP Shashi Kumar closed down some shops which did not follow Covid rules and rewarded some shopkeepers who adhered to them with roses.

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News Network
June 18,2020

Bengaluru, Jun 18: Examination for PU II English paper, which was postponed for more than three months due to threat of Coronavirus, was held on Thursday across the state.

The authorities were forced to postpone the examination of the English subject, scheduled in March, abruptly due to the threat of Covid-19 which spread like wildfire and has so far claimed lives of more than 100 in the state.

There are over 1,016 examination centres across the state. All the students were put to thermal scanners and were ensured wearing face masks. Each centre has sanitisers. Those with cold, cough and fever were assigned a separate room.

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