Latest news with #KarnatakaLegislativeAssembly
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Govt proposes extending labourers' workday
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has put forward a contentious proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, aiming to increase the standard workday for employees from nine to ten hours, with overtime potentially extending to twelve hours daily. The draft amendment, currently under stakeholder review, has ignited a fierce debate between industry leaders and labour unions over its implications for workers' rights and economic productivity. The Labour Department convened a stakeholder meeting at Vikasa Soudha, chaired by Secretary Rohini Sindhuri, to gather input from factory owners, hoteliers, and union representatives. According to sources, the proposed changes would also raise the quarterly overtime cap from 50 hours to 144 hours and include provisions for Saturday and Sunday holidays. Industry stakeholders have largely endorsed the proposal, arguing it will boost productivity and streamline operations. However, labour unions have vehemently opposed the changes, labelling them as anti-worker and detrimental to employee well-being. Critics warn that extended hours could exacerbate mental and physical health issues, disrupt work-life balance, and potentially reduce job opportunities by encouraging a two-shift system over the current three-shift model. The amendment remains in the consultation phase and requires approval from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly to take effect. As discussions continue, the government faces the challenge of balancing economic ambitions with the need to protect workers' rights, with further stakeholder meetings planned to refine the proposal.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Speaker calls for unity and calm
Mangaluru: Amid growing concern over recent communal incidents in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader has issued a heartfelt appeal for unity, patience, and responsible conduct. He urged the public not to succumb to fear, anger, or hatred, and instead respond with the shared values of peace, dignity, and mutual respect. 'Some of the incidents that have taken place in Dakshina Kannada in recent days have deeply hurt all of us. The violence, hate speech, and rising tensions between communities are disturbing and unacceptable,' Khader said in a public statement issued on Tuesday. Calling the coastal district a model of social harmony, the Speaker reflected on the longstanding coexistence of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians in the region. 'This district has been built on the foundation of mutual trust and togetherness. Generations have studied in the same schools, worked in the same markets, and celebrated festivals together. Such harmony is the essence of Dakshina Kannada,' he noted. Khader stressed the sensitive nature of the present moment, warning that rumours and provocative content circulating on social media could inflame tensions further. 'This is not the time to react with anger or fear. It is a time to uphold our moral values, to act responsibly, and to respect every religion,' he said. He assured the public that any forces attempting to incite hatred or divide society—regardless of their political, social, or religious affiliations—would face strict legal action. However, he emphasised that beyond legal measures, what is needed most is collective patience, compassion, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. 'I am in constant touch with religious leaders of all faiths and representatives of different communities. We are working together through meaningful dialogue to restore peace and understanding,' Khader said. He acknowledged the pain and anger in the community, comparing it to 'boiling water that cannot reflect'—a metaphor for how disturbed minds cannot make clear decisions. He urged the public to pause, reflect critically, and act in ways that preserve social harmony. 'Let us not allow hatred to overpower humanity, or violence to define our future. I am with you. We are all in this together,' the Speaker concluded. 'Unity is our strength, tolerance is our value, and peace is our goal. Let us move forward with courage.'
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Former Anglo-Indian MLA Derrick Fullinfaw passes away
Former Anglo-Indian MLA and prominent leader of the Anglo-Indian community, Derrick M. B. Fullinfaw, passed away in Bengaluru on Wednesday. He was 67. He is survived by wife Asha, son Gavin, and daughter Simona. Mr. Fullinfaw, who was suffering from liver-related ailment, breathed his last at a private hospital. He was buried at the cemetery near Hosur Road here on Thursday. Mr. Fullinfaw had been nominated as MLA from the Anglo-Indian quota in the 9th and 13th Karnataka Legislative Assembly. He served as chairman of the All-India Progressive Anglo-Indian Association and president of the State BJP Minority Morcha in Karnataka. He is remembered for his in-depth understanding of the problems of the Anglo-Indian community in Karnataka and for his struggle to get them educational and employment opportunities. Though he had begun his political career with the Congress, he later shifted to the BJP that nominated him to the 13th Assembly. However, he had distanced himself from politics in the last few years. Mr. Fullinfaw, who began his career as a teacher at Baldwin Boys' School in Bengaluru, had gone back to teaching after completing his first term as MLA. He had then been appointed principal of Baldwin Polytechnic.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Karnataka Assembly Speaker revokes suspension of 18 BJP MLAs after two months
More than two months after their suspension, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader revoked the six-month suspension of 18 BJP decision was announced on Sunday following discussions between Khader, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK said the suspension was revoked without any conditions, emphasising that the MLAs are colleagues and friends. 'The incident happened in a fit of the moment. I had to take strict action to protect the respect of the House. Now, with faith that such behaviour will not be repeated, I have revoked the suspension,' he The Speaker added that the suspended MLAs had expressed regret for the incident and assured that they did not intend any disrespect. The decision will be ratified by the Assembly in the next BJP legislators were suspended on March 21 for alleged indiscipline and disrespect towards the Speaker during a protest in the Assembly. The incident involved BJP MLAs surrounding the Speaker's chair, climbing onto the podium, and hurling papers, which led to their forceful eviction by of Opposition R Ashoka welcomed the move, thanking the Speaker for revoking the suspension and praising the patience and discipline shown by the MLAs during the two-month suspended BJP MLAs include prominent leaders such as former Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan and BJP chief whip Doddanagouda Patil. The suspension had followed protests against a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts and demands for a judicial probe into an alleged honey-trap attempt on Cooperation Minister KN Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had earlier urged the government to reconsider the suspension, and senior leaders from both the state and Centre had communicated with the Speaker regarding the asked if the suspension was revoked fearing legal setbacks, Khader declined to comment, affirming the Speaker's authority to decide on such matters.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru to be open for guided tours from June 1
A first-of-its-kind experience, the Guided Walking Tour of Vidhana Soudha was inaugurated on Sunday. The tour of Bengaluru's iconic landmark will be open to the public from June 1. Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of Tourism, Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil said that these tours should not be thought of as recreational. 'Vidhana Soudha is not just any other building but one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is also the temple of democracy. Whoever finishes this tour should be able to identify their role in democracy. We want visitors to dream and aspire to become a Chief Minister or a Speaker or an Opposition party leader and represent people. We want to bring out a sense of pride about Karnataka.' 90-minute tour The tours developed by Department of Tourism and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) in association with the Speaker's Office – Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) and Vidhana Soudha Security Division will take place every Sunday and second and fourth Saturdays of the month in designated time slots between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each tour group will consist of 30 people and will take approximately 90 minutes and will be supervised by a Tour Guide, Tourist Mitra and Vidhana Soudha security personnel. 'We aim to accommodate 300 people in a day in these tours. We also plan to have separate slots for tours in English,' said Rajendra K.V., Director of Tourism Department and MD of KSTDC. Entry fee Entry for the tour will be given at Gate 3 of Vidhana Soudha and will then cover seven points of interest spanning approximately 1.5 kilometres. The entry fee for the tour is fixed at ₹50 per person. However, for children under the age of 16, the tickets are free, but registration is mandatory. 'We see this as a transformation programme to showcase the beauty and legacy of democracy. Only those who understand history can create history. We want every student to understand democracy and create that kind of history. That is why we have decided to make the tour free for students,' said U.T. Khader, Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Online booking Those interested in booking tickets for the tour can do so on KSTDC's website While currently there is an option to send an email to KSTDC and then get a controlled link for booking, soon there will be a designated ticket booking portal on the website. Limited tickets may also be available at the KSTDC helpdesk on site. The visitors will also need to carry a physical copy of their original Aadhar card (digital copies will not be accepted) while students will need to carry a valid school ID along with original Aadhar. Foreign nationals should produce their original passports for verification at the entry point.
