May terminate the vented dam contract if slow paced work continues: CM

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Suresh Vamanjoor)

May 6, 2012

Mangalore, May 6: If the slow pace of work at Thumbay vented dam continues, the government will even consider terminating the contract said Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda.

Chairing a review meet of the developmental works in the district at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Sunday, the Chief Minister, who has been troubled by the problem of drought in the state, expressed his discontentment at the incomplete work of Thumbe vented dam in the backdrop of Mangalore being hit by water crisis severely this summer.

“Out of 16 vents they have completed works of only 9 vents. I have taken to task the concerned officials” Mr. Gowda said, directing Channappa Gowda, DK Deputy Commissioner and Dr. Harish Kumar, Commissioner of Mangalore City Corporation to hold another inspection on May 31 to check the pace of the work being carried out. “There is no scarcity of funds from the government's side but concerned personnel are not carrying out their duty with sincerity. If the slow pace continues even after May 31, we are open to even terminate the contract”, he said.

The Chief Minister also ordered the officials of the concerned department to submit an appeal to the government if there is need for extra borewells. He also said that a master plan would be formulated in the days to come to find a permanent solution to tackle the water problem during summer, in terms of identifying rivers and how well rain water could be stored for maximum usage. “I will take up the responsibility of raising the ground water level”, the CM declared.

Mr. Gowda also raised the issue of many genuine cases being denied the facilities of social security pensions, ration and government schemes such as Bhagyalaxmi. “In an attempt to eliminate bogus applications, some genuine ones too have been rejected. A verification process must be carried out at every Gram Panchayat and by month end, deserving people must be given BPL and ration cards so that genuine cases are not left out”, he said.

The CM also took up the issue of roads in the district. Abhayachandra Jain, MLA, Moodbidri, requested the Chief Minister to propose to the central authorities to build a two-lane road between Mangalore and Moodbidri. Mr. Gowda agreed to the demand and asked the MLA to file an appeal in writing.

Channappa Gowda, Deputy Commissioner, DK, presented a powerpoint report on the current status of various departmental works in the district. He said that the district stood third in disposing off applications under 'Sakaala', the project initiated by CM himself and assured him that very soon, the district will try to top the list.

In the backdrop of city facing many problems, Ramanath Rai, MLA, asked the Chief Minister to appoint a district-in-charge minister as soon as possible.

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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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‘Nothing for Karnataka’: DKS slams Union Budget, flags Bengaluru neglect

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February 1,2026

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday criticised the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, claiming it offered no tangible benefit to the state.

Though he said he was yet to study the budget in detail, Shivakumar asserted that Karnataka had gained little from it. “There is no benefit for our state from the central budget. I was observing it. They have now named a programme after Mahatma Gandhi, after repealing the MGNREGA Act that was named after him,” he said.

Speaking to reporters here, the Deputy Chief Minister demanded the restoration of MGNREGA, and made it clear that the newly enacted rural employment scheme — VB-G RAM G — which proposes a 60:40 fund-sharing formula between the Centre and the states, would not be implemented in Karnataka.

“I don’t see any major share for our state in this budget,” he added.

Shivakumar, who also holds charge of Bengaluru development, said there were high expectations for the city from the Union Budget. “The Prime Minister calls Bengaluru a ‘global city’, but what has the Centre done for it?” he asked.

He also drew attention to the problems faced by sugar factories, particularly those in the cooperative sector, alleging a lack of timely decisions and support from the central government.

Noting that the Centre has the authority to fix the minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, Shivakumar said the Union government must take concrete steps to protect farmers’ interests.

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