Karnataka: Cabinet rejigs rice for Re 1 per kg scheme

June 14, 2013

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Bangalore, Jun 14: Unable to mobilise the huge quantity of rice, the State Cabinet on Thursday decided to retain the unit system (fixing quantity of rice per person) for implementing the rice-for-Re 1-per-kg scheme to be launched from July 1.

Besides, the Cabinet discussed the possibility of supplying ragi and jowar under the public distri¬bution system (PDS) along with rice, but no decision was taken.

Instead of the present four kg per unit or person, however, the Cabinet has decided to increase the quantum to 10 kg per person per month under the scheme with a maximum ceiling of 30 kg per family. For a family of two persons, 20 kg rice will be given per month.

All families having more than two members will get a maximum of 30 kg per month, Law Minister T B Jayachandra told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

On the day of assuming office, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced complete scrapping of the unit system under the PDS and decided to give 30 kg rice to all below poverty line (BPL) families from June 1.

But the launch of the scheme was postponed to July 1 due to non-availability of such a huge quantity of rice (an additional 1.50 lakh metric tonnes per month). Even minors, including toddlers, are considered part of a family, and they are counted as a unit if their names are included in the ration card.

The government has introduced the new system (new unit system) due to shortage of rice. But every person under BPL family will get 10 kg rice per month instead of four kg. A total of 30 kg rice will be given to families having more than two members, said Jayachandra.

The new unit system, official sources said, will reduce the burden on the government to a considerable extent. Of the total 87 lakh BPL cardholders, about eight lakh come under single person category and about 15 lakh belong to two-person family category.

As a result, the total quantity of rice required for the scheme will come down by about 40,000 metric tonnes per month. The scheme is estimated to require about Rs 4,900 crore per annum under the new unit system, as against about Rs 5,800 crore estimated for providing 30 kg rice to all.

The Cabinet also gave its nod for procuring rice required for the scheme from the open market. The Food and Civil Supplies department is planning to call a tender for rice procurement from other states and participate in online trading in the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited . The cost of rice in the open market is estimated to be Rs 28 to Rs 30 per kg, the minister said.

Jayachandra said that the Cabinet discussed supplying ragi and jowar considering the regional food habits.

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News Network
December 5,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant step to curb online hate and intimidation, Mangaluru City Police have registered a suo motu case against multiple Instagram accounts accused of circulating alleged provocative and threatening content.

While monitoring social media activity on Tuesday, Kankanady Town PSI Anitha Nikkam identified the Instagram handle ‘team_targetttt_900’ for posting a hate message alongside images of lethal weapons. Another account, ‘team_nagara_900’, allegedly shared a threatening post targeting activist Bharath Kumdelu, tagging additional pages such as KARAVALI-OFFICIAL.

Several other accounts — including ‘immu_bhai.fan’, ‘target_boy_900’, ‘kings_of_manglore’, ‘team_target_boys.900’, ‘arshad_mangalore’, ‘target_ka19_ullal’, ‘team_target__’, ‘troll_tigersz_900’, ‘tr_group_900’, and ‘team_target_900’ — are also under scrutiny for spreading similar inflammatory material, police said.

Authorities have urged citizens, especially young social media users, to report suspicious pages and avoid engaging with groups that glorify violence or threaten individuals. Online hate can quickly escalate into real-world harm, and police stress that sharing or promoting such content can attract legal consequences.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: In a decisive move to tackle the city’s deteriorating sanitation infrastructure, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced a massive ₹1,200 crore action plan to overhaul its underground drainage (UGD) network.

The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV, aims to bridge "missing links" in the current system that have left residents grappling with overflowing sewage and environmental hazards.

The Breaking Point

The announcement follows a high-intensity phone-in session on Thursday, where the DC was flooded with grievances from frustrated citizens. Residents, including Savithri from Yekkur, described a harrowing reality: raw sewage from apartments leaking into stormwater drains, creating a "permanent stink" and turning residential zones into mosquito breeding grounds.

"We are facing immense difficulties due to the stench and the health risks. Local officials have remained silent until now," one resident reported during the session.

The Strategy: A Six-Year Vision

DC Darshan HV confirmed that the proposed plan is not a temporary patch but a comprehensive six-year roadmap designed to accommodate Mangaluru’s projected population growth. Key highlights of the plan include:

•    Infrastructure Expansion: Laying additional pipelines to connect older neighborhoods to the main grid.

•    STP Crackdown: Stricter enforcement of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) regulations. While new apartments are required to have functional STPs, many older buildings lack them entirely, and several newer units are reportedly non-functional.

•    Budgetary Push: The plan has already been discussed with the district in-charge minister and the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. It is slated for formal presentation in the upcoming state budget.

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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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