BJP corporators stage walkout as Mayor Gulzar Banu presents budget

March 30, 2012

Mangalore, March 30: Amidst a walk-out by BJP corporators, Mayor Gulzar Banu presented the Mangalore City Corporation budget herself at the MCC on Friday.

Prior to the commencement of the budget session, BJP Corporator Shankar Bhat giving a slew of reasons, appealed to the Mayor to postpone the budget presentation session. Arguing that Ms. Banu does not deserve the opportunity to be sitting on the Mayor's seat to conduct the budget session as the High Court is yet to give its verdict on the issue of faulty Mayoral election procedure, Mr. Bhat also said that a few more changes needed to be made in the budget as the BJP being the ruling party had drafted the budget. He even said that since no appointment of finance standing committee chief has been made, it is inappropriate to present the budget now.

To this, Congress corporators raised objections and argued that no scope should be given for discussion prior to the presentation of the budget. They said that since the matter of Mayoral elections is still with the Court, discussion concerning it would amount to contempt of court. They also said that the BJP was talking about making changes to the budget which it has prepared itself after having approved it from its own party office.

Heated exchanges took place between corporators of Congress and BJP right in front of the well of the House. JDS Corporator Abdul Azeez and other independents too joined in the chaos and shouted slogans against BJP.

BJP Corporator Shantha who was asked by the Mayor to present the budget, refused to oblige stating that her fellow party corporators who are in majority want postponement of the budget session. Following this declaration from Ms. Shantha, the Mayor announced that she would read out the budget speech herself. With this announcement, all BJP Corporators staged a walkout.

Ms. Banu presented the budget herself. Following the budget speech, independent Corporator Mariamma Thomas seeking permission from the Mayor to present her view and analysis of the budget said requested that Rs 25,000 be set aside for 'Kuteera Bhagya' plan rather than the proposed Rs 15,000. She also said that the Corporation should be earning higher income in the form of rents on advertising hoardings in the city as opposed to current revenue. She also expressed dissatisfaction at Rs 35 lakhs being set aside in the budget for maintainence of street lamps and related works stating that it would not be sufficient. Ms. Thomas also appealed to the Mayor to provide sintex tanks to BPL card holders so that they can store water when the Corporation supplies water to them through tanker services.

One of the Congress Corporators demanded that attention be given to clearing of the Panchanady dumping yard. An appeal was made to set aside Rs 1.5 crore to clear that dumping yard and make that land available for the Corporation in addition to keeping aside Rs 10 lakhs for road signs, humps and reflectors across the city.

Harish, Independent Corporator, presenting his views said that the Corporation is way too dependent on Government grants and should chalk out plans to increase its own income generation and be less dependent on the state government for grants. Stating that only about 20% of the expenses have been set aside for development, he would not call it a developmental budget.

JDS Corporator Abdul Azeez called it a 20-20 budget since both Congress and BJP had a role in the budget preparation. He too demanded that Rs 25,000 be set aside for 'Kuteera Bhagya' plan rather than the proposed Rs 15,000.

Some Budget highlights:

Rs. 3 crore for Thumbay Dam development for the year 2012-13.
Rs. 10 lakhs for victims of natural disasters.
Rs. 15 lakhs for sports and encouraging sportspersons.
Continuation of Rs. 15,000 for beneficiaries of 'Kuteera Bhagya' project – house repair funds BPL card holders.
Rs 25,000 for 'Tali Bhagya' project – For poor girls from SC/STs categories for their weddings
Free birth certificate and baby kits for newborns of BPL families.
Rs. 13 crore for development works, Rs. 2.95 crores for development of SC/STs, Rs. 93.60 lakhs for city poverty eradication and social welfare, and Rs. 39 lakhs for physically handicapped.
Rs. 1.75 crores for drainage works
Attempts to be made to set up multilevel car parking system (approximate capacity of 600 cars) at Hampankatta old bus stand area as a revenue source.
Identification of prominent locations and creations of more bus stands as roads have undergone concretization in many places.
CCTV cameras to be installed in all departments to facilitate better administration and ensure that officials carry out their duties with sincerity.
'Nagara Mitra' centre has been established for the citizens to get complete information on works taken up in the areas coming under the jurisdiction of the Corporation.

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.

Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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

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.

11th Late Mrs Naseema Fareed Memorial Lecture Held at Kanachur

News Network

February 3,2026

Mangaluru, Feb 3: Kanachur College of Physiotherapy and Kanachur Hospital & Research Centre, in association with U.T. Fareed Foundation (R), organised the 11th Late Mrs. Naseema Fareed Memorial Lecture on Tuesday.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Subramanyam K, Head of the Department and Professor, Department of Cardiology, Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Mangaluru. In his inaugural address, Dr. Subramanyam delivered an insightful talk highlighting the vital role of physiotherapy in modern medical care, particularly in cardiac rehabilitation, patient recovery, and improving overall quality of life through a multidisciplinary healthcare approach.

The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Haji U.K. Monu, Chairman, KIET. The keynote address was presented by Dr. Mohammed Ismail Hejamady, who spoke on the evolving scope and significance of physiotherapy.

The event was held in the presence of Mr. Abdul Rahiman, Director, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru; Dr. Vaishali Sreejith, Senate Member, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru; Dr. Sudhan S.G., Professor and Principal, Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy, Bengaluru; Dr. Shanavaz Manipady, Dean, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru; and Dr. Venkat Rai Prabhu, Member, Kanachur Health Science Advisory Council, Kanachur Hospital & Research Centre.

Dr. Mohammad Suhail, Dean, Kanachur College of Physiotherapy, welcomed the guests and delegates.

As part of the programme, a two-day free workshop was organised on the following topics:

• Art of Practice in Cardiopulmonary Conditions by Dr. Sudhan S.G., Principal, Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy

• The Gift of Life – Organ Donation by Dr. Rohan Monis, Chief Administrative Medical Officer

• Chest X-ray Interpretation by Dr. Hemanth, Department of Radiology, KIMS

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation by Dr. Vijaya Kumar, Department of Respiratory Medicine, KIMS

Organisers noted that the memorial lecture series has been conducted continuously for the 11th year, benefiting interns and postgraduate students from various colleges across Mangaluru. A total of 130 delegates attended the workshop.

Dr. Reshma, Vice Principal, Kanachur College of Physiotherapy, Mangaluru, delivered the vote of thanks.