Manipal: Pranab Mukherjee calls for utilisation of funds in health and education sectors

May 27, 2012

Udupi, May 26: With a reasonably quick recovery, emerging economies in Asia are generally better placed against other emerging economies of the world to withstand the fresh round of global economic turmoil, said Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

He was speaking after inaugurating the two-day national seminar on “21^st Century as the Asian Century: Role of India and China”, being organized by Manipal Centre for Asian Studies, at Manipal here on Saturday.

“The current situation presents some unique opportunities. A crisis of the magnitude we are now witnessing compels us to take notice of our deficiencies, suitably reorient policies and redefine priorities'', he said adding “While economic challenges faced by each Asian country are unique and there is no one-size-fits-all future trajectory of economic development, there is worldwide recognition of the fact that most Asian economies, including India are poised to attain sustained long-term growth, notwithstanding some short-term policy challenges''.

There are however several challenges that we face. A major one is to devise ways in which the fruits of high growth can benefit the poorest of the poor. Poverty and inequality, with their associated ills continue to be single most common challenge. Going forward, GDP growth in many developing nations must be accompanied by measures aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of a young population just as social security compulsions would assume prominence in aging societies. We need to ensure adequate investment and utilization of funds in sectors like health, education and skill-development that are crucial for human capital build-up, he added.

The existing divide between advanced and developing Asia must be bridged to make the 21^st century an Asian century. To this end, while advanced Asia must maintain its economic 'miracle', an environment must be created for the rest to catch-up and prosper. Ultimately it would depend on how individual Asian economies manage their 'rise' strategically in order to co-exist and co-prosper.

Chancellor of Manipal University Ramdas M Pai, Vice Chancellor Dr Ramnarayan, HoD of Assian Studies Dr Arvind Kumar and others were present.

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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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Mangaluru–Kasaragod bus fare rolled back after Kerala protests force NHAI to shut Arikkady toll plaza

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February 5,2026

Mangaluru: The KSRTC Mangaluru division has rolled back the fare hike on buses operating on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route following the suspension of toll collection at the Arikkady toll plaza near Kumbala in Kasaragod district.

The fare revision had been implemented after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began toll collection at the Arikkady plaza on NH-66. As a result, fares for ordinary and Rajahamsa services were increased by ₹7 and ₹10, respectively, raising the bus fare from Mangaluru to Kasaragod from ₹81 to ₹88.

Senior Divisional Controller of KSRTC’s Mangaluru division, Rajesh Shetty, said the fares were reduced after toll collection at the Arikkady plaza was stopped. “The tollgate began operations on January 13, and the toll amount was deducted from the FASTag accounts of KSRTC buses operating on the route. Following an order from the central government to suspend toll collection, KSRTC has also withdrawn the additional fare with immediate effect,” he said.

At present, vehicles travelling on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route pay toll only at the Talapady toll plaza. The toll for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at Talapady is ₹80 for a same-day return, while heavy vehicles, including buses, are charged ₹250. At Arikkady, the toll rates were ₹130 for LMVs (same-day return) and ₹450 for buses.

Protests against Arikkady toll plaza

The Arikkady toll plaza witnessed widespread protests from January 12, the day toll collection commenced. On the second day, an action committee led by Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf launched an indefinite protest at the site. Except for the BJP, leaders and workers of most major political parties participated in the agitation.

On the night of January 14, a large number of protesters gathered at the plaza and vandalised property, following which authorities temporarily suspended toll operations. The BJP later also expressed opposition to the toll plaza and criticised NHAI’s decision.

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