Now I feel happy: Palemar

March 24, 2012

Mangalore, March 24: The Mangalore North MLA Krishna J Palemar, who was forced to resign from his ministerial berth one-and-a-half months ago, has hailed the 'positive report' by the Legislature Committee, which give him a clean chit in porngate.

“I resigned not because I had committed any crime, but to facilitate a free and fair probe. I feel happy that the house committee has cleared my name," said Mr Palemar, who was one of the most influential politicians of Karnataka till February 7, when he faced the charge of providing porn clips to his two cabinet colleagues during the Assembly proceedings.

Television footage of Legislative Assembly proceedings on February 7 showed Lakshman S Savadi watching porn clips and C C Patil, sitting next to him, also having a look at it, on a mobile phone of J Krishna Palemar. The three had to quit as ministers the next day following public outrage.

After several sittings, the four-member House committee — constituted to investigate into the issue had submitted its report to Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah earlier this week.

The report says that there is no evidence against two MLAs Mr Patil and Mr Palemar, while the third MLA Mr Savadi, has already apologised to the committee.

The panel, chaired by Shrishailappa Bidarur, had summoned representatives of two television channels and the three MLAs and questioned them on the episode, besides consulting top officials of the Law Department, before finalising the report.

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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.

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