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Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Amidst farmer concerns and official apathy: Aadhaar-RTC linking program gets stalled
Bengaluru: Karnataka's ambitious program to link Aadhaar with RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops) documents, aimed at curbing fraudulent land sales and scams, is facing significant delays. The slowdown is attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of information dissemination, official indifference, fear among farmers of losing government benefits, and concerns about revealing benami (proxy) land registrations. The issue was a prominent point of discussion in a recent meeting held at Vidhana Soudha, attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, senior ministers, and all district commissioners. During the meeting, CM Siddaramaiah reportedly grilled the district commissioners about the sluggish pace of the linking process. Officials were subsequently instructed to expedite efforts to link at least 2.01 crore RTCs with Aadhaar in the coming days. Despite various other responsibilities, revenue department officials have managed to link Aadhaar with 2.27 crore RTCs. However, critics argue that officials have largely failed to generate widespread consensus among farmers and encourage their voluntary participation in the scheme. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda's Aadhaar seeding initiative, like several other programs he oversees, appears to be stuck at around the '50 percent' mark. According to sources within the Revenue Department, out of 4,36,60,803 RTC holders in the state, Aadhaar had initially been seeded with 1,42,34,656 RTCs. The directive from the aforementioned meeting was to bring at least 2.01 crore farmers under the purview of this scheme as soon as possible. As of June 10, records indicate that 2,27,70,170 RTCs have been linked with Aadhaar. While the Revenue Department claims an 85% progress, when compared to the total number of RTC holders, the actual progress hovers around 50%. Several key reasons are contributing to the campaign's sluggish pace. A major hurdle is the unresolved issue of 'Pouthi Khata' (heir transfer of property), with 60,000-80,000 such cases pending settlement in some districts. Additionally, 24 lakh 'Podhi' (subdivision) cases are pending, along with 15 lakh 'Podhi Durasti' (subdivision correction) cases. Beyond these documentation-related issues, many farmers harbour anxieties and objections regarding the linking of their RTCs with Aadhaar. There's a prevailing fear that this process could lead to a reduction in existing government benefits, electricity subsidies, and centrally sponsored grants. The apprehension that benami registrations might come to light is also a significant factor contributing to the reluctance among farmers.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
BWSSB presented with Guinness World Record certificate
Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar received the official Guinness World Record certificate on behalf of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) on Wednesday. A water conservation campaign the board took up from March 21 to 28, began with Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank, has set a record for maximum number of pledges (5.33 Lakh) to conserve water in a week. Speaking at the event, Mr. Shivakumar said that the recent water hike taken up after over a decade was an attempt to reduce the losses to the board by about ₹500 crore annually. 'We are still not able to break even. But we are trying to reduce losses,' he said, adding that still about 35% of the property owners are not paying bills regularly. He further said that the State government was planning to supply the Cauvery water to 2 crore people in the Bengaluru region. 'Presently, we are now providing water to newly added areas to BBMP in 2007-08 through Cauvery V Stage. There are about 50 lakh people around the city, to whom we are now planning to provide Cauvery water,' he said, referring to Cauvery VI Stage, for which a detailed project peport (DPR) is under way. Mr. Shivakumar also pointed out that cities like Delhi had progressed to dual piping system, with drinking water and water for other purposes being supplied separately and said that Bengaluru should also tread the same path in the future. Referring to objections to Cauvery Aarti at KRS dam, the Minister said that Mandya's farmers were not fully informed of the event and said that he would soon hold a joint meeting with the district in-charge Minister to clear the air.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Stung by Amul taunt, DKS tells KMF to open Nandini outlets in Namma Metro stations in Bengaluru
After the opposition BJP and JD(S) slammed the ruling Congress in Karnataka for 'favouring' Gujarat-based Amul over Nandini, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has been instructed to submit applications to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to open its outlets in eight stations in Bengaluru. Speaking to reporters, he said, 'BMRCL had called for a global tender, and Amul was the lone applicant. We have instructed KMF to submit its application to BMRCL. KMF will open Nandini outlets in eight metro stations.' BJP MP P.C. Mohan had posted on X: 'Ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections, Congress accused the BJP of favouring outsiders. But now, the same Congress government, which oversees @OfficialBMRCL's operations and maintenance, has enabled Amul kiosks at 10 Metro stations to displace Nandini.' Mr. Shivakumar said, 'Amul has already opened its outlets in two metro stations. It is not appropriate to close down the existing outlets. We have informed the BMRCL to allow KMF to open Nandini outlets in the remaining eight metro stations.' On civic elections in Bengaluru 'We had a meeting with our MLAs on party organisation and the Greater Bengaluru Authority elections. The formation of corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority has been discussed with our leaders, and now it needs to be discussed with opposition leaders. We will take a decision after taking them into confidence,' he said. On waste disposal, he said, 'Under the Swachchhata Bengaluru initiative, we have set up a helpline for waste disposal. People can take a photo of the garbage pile-up, and send it to the helpline number. Action will be taken within a week. As far as filling potholes is concerned, we have given funds to the respective MLAs.' e-Khata campaign 'We have designed a campaign for disbursal of e-khatas in Bengaluru. The campaign was kicked off on a pilot basis in Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda's constituency. As many as 25,000 e-khatas are ready, and they will be delivered to the doorstep from July 1. Bengaluru has about 25 lakh residences, but only about 5 lakh people have uploaded their documents. The campaign will go on for a month,' he informed. Asked about white-topping in Bengaluru, the Deputy CM said, 'White-topping work is going on in many places in the city. I have inspected the quality of the work at many places.' Replying to a query if there was a discussion on issuing B khata, he said, 'This has been discussed in the Cabinet meeting. We will make an announcement after deliberating on the legal aspects.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Money laundering case: ED summons ex-MP DK Suresh over Rs 25 crore fraud by impostor claiming to be his sister
HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate has issued summons to D.K. Suresh , former Member of Parliament and brother of Karnataka deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar, in connection with a money laundering investigation involving a woman identified as Aishwarya Gowd. He must appear on June 19. The case pertains to allegations against Aishwarya Gowd, who is currently in judicial custody after being arrested by the ED. The woman is accused of duping multiple individuals by impersonating connections with high-profile figures. Among her claims was an assertion that she was related to D.K. Suresh, which has now drawn the agency's attention toward verifying the facts. Earlier, Ex-MP D.K. Suresh filed a complaint with the Bengaluru police chief against Aishwarya Gowda for the 'misuse' of his name in cheating a city-based jeweller of Rs 8.41 crores. The ED has already seized several luxury vehicles as part of the probe. Investigators are now examining the financial trail and the extent of the impersonation. Summoning D.K. Suresh, sources said, is part of efforts to ascertain the truth behind the woman's claims and to determine if there was any misuse of his name for unlawful gain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The agency is expected to question Suresh on his knowledge of the woman. Aishwarya Gowda, 33, is accused of orchestrating an elaborate fraud by posing as the sister of Karnataka Congress MP D.K. Suresh. She allegedly used this false identity to gain the trust of wealthy individuals—doctors, businessmen, and jewellers—promising high returns on investments. According to the ED, she deceived victims of an estimated ₹20–25 crore, including a jeweller in Bengaluru who lost nearly Rs 9.8 crore in cash and gold.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Will discuss with CM on naming metro station after Field Marshal Cariappa, says D.K. Shivakumar
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said that he would discuss with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on naming a metro station after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. Speaking at an event organised in Bengaluru by the Kodava Samaja to thank the government for granting seven acres of land to it, he said: 'The Chief Minister and I will discuss and decide about naming a metro station after Field Marshal Cariappa. It would be our privilege. We have an open mind about this.' 'Kodagu and Kodavas are a jewel for Karnataka and the country. History shows us that Kodavas have handled all responsibilities given to them in a responsible way. Their contribution to the field of sports, politics, and law is immense. The Kodavas' contribution to India's independence fight is well documented,' he said. 'We are for conserving culture and tradition. The government has highly subsidised the land given to the Kodava Samaja considering the sacrifices of the community. The Congress has a history of helping smaller communities in the country. Our government has decided to allot the land after discussing it in the State Cabinet,' he said.
