Concern over govt's move to handover Haji Abdullah's land to B R Shetty

[email protected] (CD Network)
September 3, 2016

Udupi, Sep 3: Activists and local organizations in Udupi have expressed concern over the State government's green signal to privatize a government hospital at Ajjarkad in Udupi by handing over its land to BRS Ventures Pvt Ltd, owned by Abu Dhabi-based Indian business tycoon B?R?Shetty.

brabdul
The State cabinet had recently given its in principal approval to hand over the land of maternity and pediatric hospital falling under the district hospital at Ajjarkad to Mr Shetty's firm. In fact the land was donated to the government decades ago by Late Haji Abdullah Kasim Saheb Bahadur, a well known philanthropist and founder of the Corporation Bank.

Activists in the region have taken to social media to slam the government's green signal for privatization of the hospital. The development is also being hotly discussed on a WhatsApp group.

Expressing his opposition to the government's move, former Udupi MLA Raghupathy Bhat of BJP recalled that the land for the hospital had been donated by Haji Saheb with an intention that a state-run hospital come up there. Mr Bhat has urged the government to reconsider its decision.

“If everything is going to be privatised, then why should the government exist”, questioned one Francis on twitter. “Private hospitals are after money. How can the poor get treatment in such hospitals”, tweeted Abdul?Sattar Ucchila.

Prof K?Paniraj, who began a discussion on the WhatsApp group, said it is unfortunate that in the name of service, hi-tech hospitals are being started by the rich denying the middle class and the poor access to hospitals where treatment is available at an affordable cost.

Another former MLA of Udupi, U?R?Sabhapathi recalled that the S?M?Krishna government had proposed to hand over the hospital to Kasturba Medical?College. However, the government withdrew its decision after there was a public outcry.

Meanwhile, Udupi Zilla Muslim Okkootta, has strongly condemned the government's move and vowed to launch a battle against the decision to privatize the hospital. In a meeting held on Friday, the Okkoota has formed a 10 member struggle committee in this regard.

Reporters were briefed that in its meeting on August 24, the state Cabinet decided that three parcels of land belonging to the Health and Family Welfare department in Udupi be handed over to B R Shetty owned company BRS Ventures to develop a hospital.

However, the Cabinet note tells a different story. The note states that Shetty had come forward to build a pediatric and maternity hospital, a 400-bed super-speciality hospital and a community health centre. Mr Shetty's company had sought 15 months to complete the pediatric and maternity hospital and 24 months to finish the community health centre.

The note stated that the company would collect “minimum” charges for using facilities at the super-speciality hospital. Laboratory fees, doctor fees will be charged separately.

Comments

suresh
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

Dear Panna what deal you are talking. If he want to build hospital, let him purchase any land and build hospital who cares. Why he need govt land for free? That also some one donated. He wants every thing free and then portray that he is giving service. Every one knows him. They will not give anything free.He is business minded. This is like denail of service to poor. Poor people are happy with current facility. No need to build super speciality if govt can not. Or let govt ask donation from people. Many are there who can donate. This looks some one have hand in glove.

M2
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

Every election, people elect corrupt criminals to run the government, and then complain against every decision they take. WHY? Democracy!

Ammi
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

Businessman openly endorsed that he belongs to Hindu Maha Sabha and big fan of Modi. Now he needs Abdullah Haji's land for his business. He is the patron of sangh parivar in GCC.
Govt. must rethink before handover land to Modi Bhakts.

Narvind Modriwal
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

Privatisation is a menace. Funny thing is that BJP leaders are supporting Haji sab and opposing Shetty sab. hahaha. what a politics!

muthhu
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

we have to put ourselves in the place of Abdullah or his relatives . why he donated the land ? still now i can see poor people benefiting for .

Rikaz
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

If it was given freely by someone Shetty don't have any right to make money out of it....otherwise make sure that Shetty provides free services to poors even if he builds high tech hospital up there.

Mahesh
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

Arshad your region rich also can purchase land and build free medical hospital right, everyone everywhere must be united and with unity we have to work for the society development.

A.Mangalore
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

it is really good news that mr. shetty is intend to build a hospital. why not ?? there are thousands of vacate land he can buy and build his hospital?
let him allow poor people to get free medical service under government hospital.
udupi waalo -- jaago - gareebonke liye lado.

Parvez
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

@ manohar & chatrapathi
Why we (common people) need government when they can't run a district hospital. This decision of government will not benefit the lower class. Today health care tomorrow security ....

Chathrapathi
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

this concerned people or groups dont have any other work about concern, even udupi is developing this people will be concern,

Manohar Panna
 - 
Saturday, 3 Sep 2016

(any group)u dont need to concern about it. if BR shetty is taking the deal, it will showcase the development of udupi.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 30: A 22-year-old college student succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Mangaluru today, days after she was hit by a goods tempo while crossing a road in Padubidri.

The deceased has been identified as Preksha, a resident of Nadsalu Billitota in Padubidri. The fatal incident occurred as Preksha, who was returning home after completing her examination, attempted to cross the service road towards Mangaluru. She was struck by a goods tempo approaching from the Udupi side, causing her to fall and sustain a severe head injury.

Prompt action from local residents ensured she received immediate first aid before being rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, she passed away while undergoing care.

Preksha was a student at Karavali College, Vamanjoor on the outskirts of Mangaluru city. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that she belonged to a financially vulnerable family, having previously lost her father. She is survived by her mother and brother.

A case related to the accident has been registered at the Padubidri police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The incident highlights the growing concerns over road safety, particularly on busy service roads, and serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents.

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News Network
December 2,2025

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Bengaluru: 'Nati koli saaru' (country chicken curry) considered one of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s favourites along with steaming hot idlis was on the breakfast menu at Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s residence on Tuesday, according to official sources.

The spread also included 'nati koli' fry, vada and pongal, among other items, they said.

In an apparent show of unity, Siddaramaiah visited Shivakumar’s residence for breakfast, just days after the two leaders shared a meal amid a simmering power tussle in the state Congress.

Siddaramaiah drove to the Deputy CM’s residence in Sadashivanagar, where he was received by Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh, who is a former Congress MP.

Suresh and Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath, a relative of Shivakumar, joined them for breakfast, which featured a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar had invited him during his visit to the CM’s residence for breakfast on Saturday.

Asked about the difference between the two meals, the chief minister said, "At his (Shivakumar’s) house it was non-veg, while at my house it was veg. He is a vegetarian, I am a non-vegetarian. I had not prepared non-veg. I told DK to get chicken from the village as you won’t get the original in Bengaluru."

Shivakumar said he had initially invited Siddaramaiah to his residence, but the CM had suggested visiting his place first and reciprocating later. "It was a vegetarian breakfast at the CM’s house on Saturday," he noted.

"Today, I invited him (the CM) to my house. He enjoyed the breakfast, which had his Mysuru taste," Shivakumar added. At this point, Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar’s wife is also from Mysuru.

Saturday’s breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, held as part of efforts by the Congress high command to ease tensions in the leadership dispute between the two, reportedly included idlis and sambar, according to official sources.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 2,2025

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Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

•    She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

•    Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

•    The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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