Kalladka Bhat, Ananth Kumar endorse mobile ban proposal, CM reluctant

July 13, 2014

Mangalore, Jul 13: A day after a legislature committee in Karnataka state recommended ban on mobile phones in schools and colleges, chief minister Siddaramaiah said there was no harm in children using the device.

Responding to the queries of media persons on Saturday Mr Siddaramaiah said, "I haven't seen this report so I can't comment, but my personal opinion is that it doesn't affect the behavior of children."

On Friday, a legislature committee on women and child welfare led by Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty blamed mobile phones for the rise in the number of rape and molestation cases.

"There were several instances where mobile phones were used to lure girls to remote places and rape them. Mobile phones are debasing the educational atmosphere in schools and colleges,'' the committee said.

This is not the first time the Karnataka government has proposed a ban on mobile phones in schools and colleges. The erstwhile BJP government had made a similar proposal, though it had cited health hazards from using mobile phones for long hours as the reason behind seeking such a ban.

But not everyone agrees with the Committee's recommendation.

"I think a mobile phone with safety apps in it would be useful and the user can stay connected. But students should be taught how to responsibly use mobile phones. Perhaps the government can use its resources and our MLAs can think of better ways to control crimes against women, like increasing police patrolling and making it more secure and safer on the ground," said Rina Pareira, a parent.

Ananth Kumar, Kalladka Bhat back ban

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and union minister Ananth Kumar said mobiles should be banned on educational institution premises.

He said mobile phones may harm children. "I am of the opinion that mobile phones should not be allowed in schools and colleges," he added.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sagh (RSS) leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who is facing several cases for alleged hate speeches, also backed Ms Shetty led panel's recommendation. "Mobile is being misused. Shakunthala Shetty is absolutely right in demanding ban on mobile in schools and colleges," he said.

Bajrang Dal state convenor Sharan Pumpwell too supported the mobile phone ban proposal.

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Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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