Latest news with #D.K.Shivakumar
India.com
19 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Karnataka Government Increases Housing Quota For Muslim Community From 10% To 15%
Reported By: Prashobh Devanahalli In a significant move aimed at enhancing social welfare, the Karnataka government has approved an increase in the housing quota for the Muslim community under various housing schemes. The reservation has been raised from the existing 10 per cent to 15 per ecnt, following a proposal passed in today's cabinet meeting. The decision will be applicable to all housing initiatives run by the state's Department of Housing in both rural and urban areas. The revised quota is expected to benefit a larger section of the Muslim population, ensuring better access to government-supported housing projects. While addressing the media, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said, 'This decision has been taken keeping in mind the population ratio and the underutilization of several housing projects. It is essential to fill these vacancies, and the Muslim community, given its population share, deserves increased representation in welfare housing." He also took a swipe at the opposition, stating, 'The BJP has no agenda other than playing politics in the name of Muslims. Our government is committed to inclusive development, and this move is a step in that direction.' The Congress-led state government had earlier introduced provisions to extend reservation benefits to minority communities in government contracts as well. This latest move adds another layer of affirmative action targeting improved living conditions for minorities, particularly the Muslim community. The enhanced quota is expected to roll out soon, with guidelines being framed for its implementation.
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
BWSSB Sets Guinness World Record for Water Awareness Campaign in Bengaluru
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has forayed into the Guinness Book of World Records for running a large water conservation campaign. This happened between March 21 and 28, 2025. During this time, 5,33,642 people took a water-saving pledge. This was the highest number ever, making it a world record. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar received the Guinness certificate for BWSSB. The Guinness World Records official, Swapnil Dangarikar, gave the award. The event was held at a hotel in Bengaluru. Shivakumar thanked BWSSB for spreading awareness. He said water saving is very important in cities. He shared that Bengaluru uses treated water for everything, even for washing cars, adding that in Delhi there is a separate pipelines for drinking and non-drinking water. He also said that 35% of people do not pay water bills. Still, BWSSB works hard to supply water. The government is planning to improve the water system. The goal is to supply water to 2 crore people in the city. Shivakumar said they will revise water prices to reduce losses. BWSSB now loses around Rs 400–500 crore every year. The price changes will be like those used in the transport system.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Support from Hindu outfits boosts DK Shivakumar's Cauvery Aarti project
Mandya: The government's ambitious Cauvery Aarti and KRS Amusement Park project, spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, continues to face stiff resistance from farmer groups, progressive activists, and sections of the opposition. However, in a significant turn of events, prominent leaders of Hindu organizations have now thrown their weight behind the initiative. While protests erupted recently after the government began groundwork on the Cauvery riverfront development, the latest endorsement from Hindu leaders has shifted the narrative, offering political backing to Shivakumar's dream project. Speaking to the media, Manjunath, State Vice-President of a federation of pro-Hindu groups, lauded DK Shivakumar and Minister Cheluvarayaswamy for conceptualizing the Cauvery Aarti. 'We stand by the Congress government on this issue. We want a unique and culturally significant Cauvery Aarti, different from the Ganga Aarti,' he said. Interestingly, the same Hindu groups have warned the government against abandoning the project due to pressure from farmer unions and progressive activists. 'If the government backs down due to protests by fake, self-serving activists, we will launch a counter-movement,' Manjunath cautioned. Despite opposition from leaders like HD Kumaraswamy—who publicly criticized the proposed Rs100 crore expenditure for the project—the Hindu leaders argue that the initiative promotes cultural heritage, boosts tourism, generates employment, and uplifts the local economy. 'Even if the cost exceeds Rs200 crore, the Cauvery Aarti must be executed. This is a symbol of our tradition and pride,' Manjunath insisted, urging the government to ignore opposition and proceed with the plan.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Amul-Nandini row: No bias in allocation of kiosks at Bengaluru Metro stations, says BMRCL
Bengaluru: Commenting on the row over the allotment of stalls to Amul at Bengaluru Metro stations, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Wednesday clarified that no preference was given to any party in the allocation process. The clarification comes amid criticism over the allotment of 10 stalls to Amul, with JD(S) and Kannada activists alleging that the state is promoting Amul at the expense of the local brand Nandini and the state government pointing out that Metro is operated by the Centre and they should question it in this regard. However, following the controversy, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that he would instruct BMRCL to reallocate 8 out of the 10 stalls given to Amul. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, BMRCL's Chief Public Relations Officer, Yashwanth Chavan, said, 'Shops and stalls within Bengaluru Metro stations are allotted through a tender process. Amul secured 10 stalls through this process.' 'If Nandini participates in future tenders, we will allot stalls to it as well. We do not give preference to anyone. The 10 stalls were allotted to Amul for a period of five years with a monthly rent of Rs 7 lakh. Nandini did not participate in the recent tender invited by BMRCL,' he clarified. 'Retail outlets are allotted strictly through a bidding process. Had Nandini applied through the tender, we would have considered it like any other applicant,' he added. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Wednesday accused the government of not showing any interest in participating in the tender process to open kiosks in Bengaluru Metro stations. Ashoka claimed, 'The Congress party, which used the Nandini brand name during its election campaign, now seems determined to destroy it after coming to power.' "It abruptly transferred KMF Managing Director, M.K. Jagadish, who had shown great enthusiasm and commitment in expanding the Nandini brand's market through several high-demand products like readymade idli and dosa batter, and whey protein," Ashoka stated. "Now, the government has shown no interest even in participating in the tender to set up dairy outlets at Bengaluru's metro stations," he said. Responding to the charges, Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy stated that the Opposition parties, BJP and JD(S) should know that the Metro is operated by the central government and they should question them in this regard. However, the Congress government on Wednesday announced that it has issued directions to the BMRCL to permit the opening of Nandini milk kiosks at selected Metro stations in the state capital that were allotted to Amul. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also Bengaluru Development Minister, has stated that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) which sells Nandini products, has been instructed to apply to the BMRCL to open outlets at Metro stations and that he has also directed Metro officials to permit Nandini outlets at eight out of the 10 proposed locations. Responding to questions from the media near his official residence here on Wednesday, Shivakumar, when asked about Amul opening outlets at Metro stations, said, 'BMRCL had called for tenders, but apart from Amul, no other entity applied. KMF, too, had not submitted an application. We have now directed KMF to apply. Out of the 10 locations for which tenders were invited, Amul has applied in the global tender and opened outlets at two locations.' 'It would not be appropriate to shut down the Amul outlets, which are already open. I have instructed that KMF should be allowed to open outlets at the remaining eight locations,' Shivakumar stated. It can be recalled that, BMRCL had signed a licence agreement with M/s Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited, popularly known as Amul, to set up 'Amul Retail Kiosks' at 10 Metro stations in Bengaluru. The Amul kiosks were to come up at Pattandur Agrahara, Indiranagar, Benniganahalli, Biyappanahalli, Trinity Junction, Sir M Visveswaraya, Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda Station Majestic, National College, Jayanagar and Banashankari Metro stations. The announcement in this regard had stated that these kiosks will sell the entire range of Amul's dairy products, chocolate, potato-based snacks, organic products and oil. The JD(S) and the Kannada activists had raised objections to the opening of Amul kiosks at Metro stations when Karnataka has its own brand, Nandini. The Kannada activists demanded that the state government withdraw the permission given to Amul kiosks and prioritise Nandini kiosks instead.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
We will take steps to implement Old Pension Scheme in K'taka: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Wednesday that the state government would discuss and initiate necessary steps to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Karnataka. He was speaking after inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees' Association and releasing the commemorative publication 'Vajra Jyoti'. 'Ours is a government that lives up to its words. We will examine your demands and take appropriate action. The New Pension Scheme (NPS) was implemented by the Central Government, but we had declared in our party's manifesto that we would implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). We will hold discussions and take the necessary steps,' the Congress leader assured. CM Siddaramaiah announced that 35,000 vacant posts in the Power Transmission Department would be filled in phases and that the services of 532 contract civic workers in the department would be regularised. Recalling Karnataka's legacy in the power sector, CM Siddaramaiah noted, 'Asia's first electricity production began in Karnataka in 1902. The first power distribution company in Bengaluru started in 1905, and electricity was supplied to the Mysore Palace for the first time in 1908. Today, Karnataka has the proud distinction of producing 34,000 megawatts of power.' CM Siddaramaiah further analysed, 'Our self-reliance in food production is largely due to our self-reliance in electricity generation.' CM Siddaramaiah stated that the Congress-led government aims to ensure seven hours of daytime power supply to farmers for agricultural pump sets. 'We are working towards this goal. Once we reach a production capacity of 60,000 megawatts, this will become possible. We must remember that electricity is a vital component of our economy,' he stressed. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated, 'I assure you that as long as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are in power, we will not allow the privatisation of Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) in the state.' He stated, 'When I became the Energy Minister, the BJP came to power at the Centre. In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, ESCOMs were handed over to private players. I, too, was pressured to do the same in Bengaluru. At that time, I told them that our staff, engineers, and management Board are strong and capable enough to run the ESCOMs efficiently. As long as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are here, ESCOMs will not be privatised in Karnataka.' 'Your demands are in consideration. The Old Pension Scheme is also part of our manifesto, so don't worry about that,' Dy CM Shivakumar stressed. 'When I took charge of the department, transmission losses stood at around 19–20 per cent. We have reduced this to 10 per cent, which is a model for the entire country. In many other states, losses are still around 17–18 per cent. "All thanks to the efforts made by all of you, the Energy Department has grown stronger. Minister for Energy, K.J. George, who currently heads this department, is leading it with great transparency and efficiency. We had taken several revolutionary decisions in the past as well,' Shivakumar added. 'When the issue of promotions came up earlier, I made a decision in just one day. Whenever a Congress government comes to power, it works for your well-being. Remember this — Chief Engineers in KPTCL and ESCOMs receive the same salary as an IPS officer. Let your love and trust remain with us,' Shivakumar added. Energy Minister K.J. George on Wednesday said that the state government fully supports the KPCTL Employees' Association, recognising its commitment to aiding the successful implementation of pro-people initiatives across Karnataka.
