State's disinterest blamed in choosing Lokayukta

Mangalore, January 6: Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M Veerappa Moily criticised the State government for its alleged lack of interest in appointing a Lokayukta to the post, which is lying vacant for several months.

Speaking to reporters in Mangalore on Thursday, Moily said he does not understand the State government's logic behind being adamant over appointment of Bannurmath as the Lokayukta even when the proposed candidate is facing certain controversies.

“There are many distinguished retired Supreme Court judges whom the government can choose to the Lokayukta post. However, it is better if the State brings to the post a person who has the same calibre as former Lokayuktas Justice Venkatachala and Santosh Hegde,” he said.

Jan Lokpal

With regard to introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill, he said that the BJP and team Anna do not want an efficient Act in place. If they were committed to their demand, they would not have rejected the Bill proposed by the Central Government.

“During NDA rule, Pranab Mukherjee had proposed the same as head of a standing committee, which was rejected by the NDA. The Bill will be introduced during the next Budget Session at any cost,” he said.

NCP in State

Predicting that NCP will have no future in the State, Moily said that entry of NCP is not a cause of worry for Congress at all.

“Even Sharad Pawar is aware of the NCP's future in the State. Congress is ready to face the elections and it will never try backdoor tacticsto come to power,” said Moily.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

Comments