'Doctors' strike: Govt to ready plan B, if needed'

October 25, 2014

Bangalore, Oct 25: There is no need to panic over government medical doctors threatening to go on strike, Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader said on Friday. According to him, his department will make alternative arrangements, if necessary, and ensure proper healthcare services.

Doctors strike
Addressing reporters here, he said that he was open to holding talks with the doctors and discussing their demands. œSpecialist doctors will not go on strike. Majority of the MBBS doctors have said they will not cause any inconvenience to the people even if they go on strike. Doctors who have real concern will not go on strike,  he added.

When asked about the doctors' threat to resign en masse on October 27 if their demands are not fulfilled, the minister said that the government would take appropriate decisions if they resort to resignation. But he did not divulge the alternative options before the government.

The department has no objection to fulfilling demands such as increasing the salary of contract doctors to Rs 28,000 a month and chalking out a separate transfer policy. But on providing allowances to the contract doctors on a par with regular doctors, he said that he could not go against the contract agreement. œWhy did they sign the agreement in the first place? It is not proper to change their stance after entering an agreement,  he asked. On the demand to retain medical doctors as food inspectors, he said: œHow can the government agree with such a demand when there is an acute shortage of doctors. It is unreasonable. 

Meeting with CM

Following the meeting with the minister, the president of Karnataka Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA), Dr Veerabhadraiah, said that Khader had agreed to most of their demands. He also agreed to schedule a meeting with the chief minister shortly. œThe health minister has assured us that a meeting with the chief minister, law and revenue ministers will be scheduled to discuss the demands. The meeting is likely to be held on October 27,  he added.

The KGMOA has asked the health department not to hand over six district hospitals to the Medical Education Department (MED). The district hospitals in Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Gulbarga, Koppal, Gadag and Uttara Kannada have been scheduled to be handed over to the MED during the current financial year.

The association members have also demanded that the government create the post of Casualty Medical Officers (CMO) in district hospitals to ease the work of specialists. They want eight posts to be created in district hospitals and five in taluk hospitals. Along with this, they have urged the government to increase the salaries of contract doctors.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

•    Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

•    Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

•    Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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