The Hindu : Karnataka News : Briefly

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 14, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Briefly

Cinema bandh today

By Our Special Correspondent

HUBLI Oct. 13. The Karnataka Film Exhibitors' Federation has called for a day's bandh on Thursday for the closure of cinemas in the State to protest against "goondaism.'' Announcing the bandh call, R.R. Odugoudar, president of the federation, told The Hindu here today that owners of cinemas, including those in Bangalore, would participate in the bandh. To a question, Mr. Odugoudar said that despite goondaism let loose on cinemas, films in languages other than Kannada were being screened without difficulty. He said he was surprised at the "failure" on the part of the police in Bangalore to take action against those who attacked cinemas in the city. There was no action against the persons who had instigated the violence, he added. Mr. Odugoudar denied that there was a moratorium on non-Kannada films. Film exhibitors in the State were only carrying out their legitimate business activities. Exhibitors were united in their fight against those who were trying to perpetrate authoritarianism in the name of Kannada. None of the exhibitors, he said, was against Kannada films and they had made it clear that they were willing to screen films in the language. However, there were not many good films in Kannada. The cinemas, therefore, had to screen films in other languages besides Kannada, he added.

Powergrid IPO next year

By Our Staff Reporter

Bangalore Oct. 13. Powergrid will make an initial public offer (IPO) next year, the company Chairman and Managing Director, R.P. Singh, has said. Speaking on the sidelines of a workshop here today, Mr. Singh said the IPO "may or may not be possible in 2004-05. But next year, definitely." Like the IPO of the National Thermal Power Corporation, this too would be a `domestic' one to be listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges. Asked about Powergrid's project to offer telecom linkages on its transmission system, Mr. Singh said the company had tied up with 20 to 25 agencies already — Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd., Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd., Reliance, Tata, etc. "We have a presence in the Northeast and in Jammu and Kashmir. North-eastern television uses our network," he said. The latest entrant was likely to be ICICI Bank. "They want video conferencing facilities. Once they sign up, I hope the other banks will follow." Powergrid had nearly 20,000-circuit km of network ready but "there have been problems with intra-city expansion because of `right-of-way' issues," he said. Powergrid had invested Rs. 934 crores in the business and expected to attain breakeven by 2008. "We expect a revenue of Rs. 50 crores this year and have signed contracts worth Rs. 100 crores. Next year, we hope to earn Rs. 150 crores," he added.

`Describe SCs as Dalits'

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE OCT. 13. The Additional Director General of Police, Subhash Bharani, who is also the Nodal Officer of the Cell for Prevention of Atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, has appealed to the public against using the word `Harijan' while referring to members of SCs. He has noted that even some government servants, newspapers and television channels are using the word. He has pointed out that the Constitution has not used the word. Its use has been prohibited both in oral and written form in all official correspondence. He has suggested the use of the word, `Dalit,' while referring to members of SCs, which was also desired by those belonging to these castes.

Kidney Foundation to be opened

By Our Staff Correspondent

Belgaum Oct. 13. The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, will on Friday inaugurate the K.L.E. Society's Kidney Foundation set up with the assistance of the society's J.N. Medical College (JNMC) here. Mr. Dharam Singh will arrive here on the occasion of the visit of the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to meet special children in the afternoon on the same day. According to KLES sources, the Kidney Foundation aims at providing high-quality care, good nursing facility in the field of urology and nephrology, basic and specialised research in these fields, high standard of investigation, and therapeutic facility. It will facilitate teaching programmes for postgraduate resident students of JNMC. The college also proposes to start post-doctoral courses in urology and nephrology. The setting up of a urology/nephrology rehabilitation centre and the launch of a campaign to make people aware of renal problems and facilities for treatment are listed under its plans.

Warning on use of capsules

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE OCT. 13. Analysts of the Drug Testing Laboratory in Bangalore have issued a warning that ampicillin capsules, IP 250 mg, batch number 255, manufactured by Pravin Pharma, Mulund, Mumbai, and Cipalgo 500, batch number CIF30, manufactured by Fidalgo Laboratories, Dhandarikalan, are "not of standard quality." The Drugs Controller has warned chemists, doctors, hospital and the public not to sell/use these drugs. Any institution that holds stock of these drugs have been requested to contact the area drugs inspector or assistant drugs controller.

`VHP disturbing harmony'

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE OCT. 13. The State Secretariat of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has alleged that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal are attempting to disturb communal harmony in Chikmagalur district in the name of Datta Jayanthi at Bababudanagiri Hills. In a press statement, the CPI(M) urged the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, to take steps to maintain peace and order in Chikmagalur district. It said the Sangh Parivar had decided to organise programmes this month in connection with Datta Jayanti.. It also appealed to the Government and heads of maths not to participate in the programmes organised by the Sangh Parivar.

`No talks with naxals'

By Our Staff Correspondent

BIJAPUR OCT. 13. The Principal Secretary, Departments of Home and Transport, Brahmadatt, on Wednesday ruled out any dialogue with naxalites operating in the Malnad region. Addressing a press conference here today, he said the ground reality did not warrant such a step. Asked about the Government's reported readiness to hold talks with naxalites if the latter were ready to give up arms, Mr. Brahmadatt said that if a few people raised the banner of revolt, it could not be construed that it warranted a dialogue at the government level. Their number was very small and most of them were outsiders. They were not a force to reckon with, and the Government was in a position to tackle them. He said the naxals were trying to impress upon the tribal people in the forest region that they were their messiahs, but this cut little ice with them. A majority of the local people were against a violent agitation. Moreover, he said, the ground situation in the Malnad region was not congenial to a radical movement. Comparatively, the people were well off. The Government was trying to provide basic facilities such roads and power to tribal habitations, he added. The radicals, he said, were trying to mislead the tribal people about their future. But the Government had not planned to evacuate them from their homeland. Earlier, Mr. Brahmadatt held a review meeting with district officials. The Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Mohsin, and the Superintendent of Police, Seemant Kumar Singh were present.

Tourist maps

released

Mysore Oct. 13. The tourism subcommittee for the Dasara festivities today released two maps for the benefit of visitors and tourists.

The map demarcates the routes to various places of interest in Mysore, Mandya and Kodagu and provides brief information about these destinations.

For details contact the Regional Tourist Office, Old Exhibition Building, Irwin Road, Mysore- 21

ICWA coaching

Mysore Oct. 13. The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, Mysore chapter, will conduct coaching classes for the intermediate examination from November 3.

Students who have passed the foundation course of ICWAI, or have a degree from a recognised university are eligible to join the course.

For details contact Vanita Sadana School, 7th cross, Krishnamurthypuram, Mysore- 4 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. or call 2331083.

Eye camp

Chamarajanagar Oct. 13. The Zilla Andatva Nivarana Samsthe, the District Health And Family Welfare Department, and Myrada, Chamarajanagar, will conduct a free eye check-up camp in association with Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, at the Primary Health Centre, Venkataiana Chatra, here on October 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Patients who require surgery will be sent to the eye hospital.

After the surgery, spectacles, medicines, boarding and lodging and transportation will be provided free.

Competitions

Chamarajanagar Oct. 13. The Department of Kannada and Culture, Chamarajanagar, has decided to organise a district-level "Kalaprathibothsava" for children.

The competitions will be held at different levels — Bala prathibe for children between eight years and 13 years, Kishore prathibe for 13 years to 18 years, and Yuva prathibe for those between 18 years and 25 years.

Competitions in classical music, Carnatic and Hindustani instrumental music, folk and light music, drawing and recitation of Kannada kavyas will be held on November 3 and 4 at Vasavi Mahal Hall, Chamarajanagar.

Those interested may contact the Assistant Director, Department of Kannada and Culture. The last date to submit applications is October 29.

Crop insurance

Chamarajanagar Oct. 13. The Joint Director of Agriculture, Shivaraju, said in a press release here that the Government had sanctioned compensation of Rs. 5.42 crores to 19,230 farmers who had registered their crops under the crop insurance scheme in 2003.

He said the compensation had been released to various banks in the district. He urged farmers to open accounts in local banks to avail themselves of the crop insurance facilities.

He said the funds were released for groundnut, sunflower, ragi, and jowar. The insurance amount for cotton was yet to be decided, he added.

Lightning

DAVANGERE OCT. 13. A forest guard was struck by lightning and died in Nyamathi village in Honnali taluk on Wednesday.

According to the police, he was standing under a tree to shelter himself from the rain when lightning struck him. The name of the deceased is yet to be ascertained, the police said.

Man dead

Raichur Oct. 13. Kalappa, resident of Gorebal Tanda, was seriously injured when a North Eastern Karnataka Road Transport Corporation bus ran over him while he was getting down from the bus at Lingsugur bus stand on Tuesday. He succumbed to injuries at the civil hospital in the town.

The Lingsugur Police have registered a case.

Selection of constables

CHITRADURGA OCT. 13. A physical fitness test for the selection of armed women police constables and civil police constables will be conducted here on October 18, October 20, October 21, and October 25.

Candidates will be selected on merit basis. Candidates have been advised to be careful and avoid touts, an official release said.

Lightning

DAVANGERE OCT. 13. A forest guard was struck by lightning and died in Nyamathi village in Honnali taluk on Wednesday.

According to the police, he was standing under a tree to shelter himself from the rain when lightning struck him. The name of the deceased is yet to be ascertained, the police said.

Heavy rainfall

DAVANGERE OCT. 13. Heavy rain in Davangere city on Wednesday disrupted normal life.

The low-lying areas in the city were inundated. A few huts collapsed in the rain, according to reports.

Run over Raichur Oct. 13. Kalappa, resident of Gorebal Tanda, was seriously injured when a North Eastern Karnataka Road Transport Corporation bus ran over him while he was getting down from the bus at Lingsugur bus stand on Tuesday. He succumbed to injuries at the civil hospital in the town.

The Lingsugur Police have registered a case.

Free check-up

Patients who require surgery will be sent to the eye hospital. After the surgery, spectacles, medicines, boarding and lodging and transportation will be provided free.

Competitions

Chamarajanagar Oct. 13. The Department of Kannada and Culture, Chamarajanagar, has decided to organise a district-level "Kalaprathibothsava" for children. The competitions will be held at different levels — Bala prathibe for children between eight years and 13 years, Kishore prathibe for 13 years to 18 years, and Yuva prathibe for those between 18 years and 25 years. Competitions in classical music, Carnatic and Hindustani instrumental music, folk and light music, drawing and recitation of Kannada kavyas will be held on November 3 and 4 at Vasavi Mahal Hall, Chamarajanagar.

Those interested may contact the Assistant Director, Department of Kannada and Culture. The last date to submit applications is October 29.

Crop insurance

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News Update

Stories in this Section