Deve Gowda visits Kateel Durga' and Ullal Darga'

Bengaluru, Aug 4: With preparations underway for conducting exams for the final semester/ year students in the state, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwathnarayan on Monday directed the respective universities to conduct exams for the backlog papers as well.

"In the wake of COVID-19, it has been decided to hold exams only for the students of final semester/year courses. It has come to our notice that some universities have decided against conducting exams for final year students who have a backlog to clear from previous semesters. This is unpardonable," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

"Our intention is to see that the final year students finish their course. In the present situation, conducting only final semester exams won't help. We have to help the students in clearing their backlogs," added Ashwathnarayan, directing all universities to compulsorily conduct these exams.

Meanwhile, Ashwathnarayan thanked the staff and officials of various government departments who were responsible for successfully conducting the CET exams even amidst the difficult situation in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

"In all, 1,94,419 students had registered for the CET exams, of which 1,75,428 wrote the exams. The percentage of students who took up the exams this year was equivalent to that of the previous years, in normal times," the DCM informed.

"After we successfully conducted the exams, Arunachal Pradesh is going to conduct the Public Service Commission exams on the lines of how we successfully conducted the exams. Likewise, even our KPSC has said it will conduct the exams. We must appreciate the good work of the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), which has set an example for others," Ashwathnarayan said.

The deputy chief minister said that 33 colleges in various districts across the state faced shortage of land and that it is the responsibility of the District Commissioners (DCs) to get the lands sanctioned for all these colleges.
In Bagalkot district alone land has not been sanctioned for six degree colleges, he said.

Reacting to this, Bagalkot DC Captain Rajendra assured to look into the matter as soon as he receives the proposal from department officials.

"Similarly, there is shortage of land for five Diploma colleges and 28 ITI colleges in different parts of the state. The DCs must immediately pay attention to this. Once they get the land, buildings will come up within no time," the Karnataka deputy chief minister said.

The second in the series of chartered flights arranged by Thumbay Group, UAE and the Bearys Cultural Forum (BCF) Trust, Mangalore to repatriate stranded Kannadigas in the UAE took off from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport on 25th July 2020. The flight was fully occupied with 178 passengers including the sick and elderly as well as those in need of urgent medical attention due to chronic illnesses, pregnant ladies and kids. Passengers also included those facing visa issues and job losses.

Implemented under the leadership of Dr. Thumbay Moideen - Founder President of Thumbay Group & Founder Patron of BCF and Dr. B K Yusuf - President of BCF, these repatriation flights are organized on a purely charitable basis, with all necessary steps and precautions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. 

Thumbay Group assigned its fleet of buses to transport the passengers free of charge from their residences in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman to the airport. The organizers also provided free meals and refreshments to the passengers, in addition to PPE kits and face-shields distributed free of charges. 

Dr. B K Yusuf – BCF President, Dr. Kaup Mohammed - BCF General Secretary, other office bearers of BCF, as well as Thumbay Group’s representatives Mr. Farhad C – Director of the 
Hospitality Division of Thumbay Group and Engr. Farwaz P. C. – COO of the Construction Division were present at the airport to see off the second group of passengers. 

ARISTOCRAT Travels supported the ticketing, boarding and related processes for the passengers. Support 
was also extended by social organizations including Bhatkal Jamath, Bhatkal association, BCCI, BWF, DKSC, KNRI, Kannadiga Help Line, KDKGS-UAE, Dubai Konkans, KSS and Dubai 
Kannadigas.

The passengers were received at Mangalore airport under the leadership of Mr. Mumtaz Ali - patron of BCF and other distinguished personalities of Mangalore including Mr. B. M. Farookh - Hon. MLC, Mr. Moidin Bava - former MLA, Mr. U. T. Ifthikhar, Mr. S. M. R. Rashid - President of 
BCCI central committee etc.The passengers were transferred to the hotels where they had registered for the mandatory quarantine.

The first flight in the series, with 186 passengers had taken off on 21st July 2020. The next flight under this joint initiative is scheduled to take-off from Ras Al Khaimah airport to Mangalore on 10th August 2020. A few more similar repatriation flights are to soon follow, in the coming weeks.