Karnataka govt may penalise compulsory voting violations

May 10, 2015

Bengaluru: May 10: The State government will take a decision on imposing penalty on those who violate compulsory voting clause in future polls to panchayat institutions depending on the response of the people in the forthcoming gram panchayat elections.

Speaking to reporters after paying a visit to Karnataka Pradesh?Congress Committee (KPCC)?office in Bengaluru on?Saturday, Rural?Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H?K?Patil said while the penalty will not be imposed on those who violate the norm during the present gram panchayat polls, the government will keep the option open for the future elections to panchayats. Gram panchayat polls are scheduled to be held in the State in two phases on May 29 and June 2. The government had recently amended the Panchayat Raj Act to introduce the compulsory voting clause in panchayat elections.

“We will not impose penalty this time, but take a decision for future elections depending on response of the electorate,” he said. Zilla and taluk panchayat elections are scheduled to be held next year.

Patil urged the electorate to come forward and vote. “They can opt the None of the Above (NOTA)?option if they are not happy with the candidates,” the minister said. Patil said there was an apprehension among people that there could be disruption of drinking water supply in rural areas as officials would be busy with election duty in the coming days. “Directions have been issued to officials that there should not be any problems in availability of drinking water,” the minister said.

Appreciated by the people

Construction of 14 lakh toilets, 3,800 kms of rural roads, setting up of 3,000 water purification plans, during the last two years after the Congress government came to power have been appreciated by the people.

The minister said president and vice-presidents of zilla, taluk and gram panchayats will have a tenure of five years. The ward-wise reservation list issued by the government will be retained for the next ten years. Training programme will be arranged for the newly elected gram panchayat members within the next six months, Patil said.

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Udupi NRI duped of Rs 12.25 lakh in Telegram investment scam

News Network

December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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