State govt. alleged of harassing scavengers by denying salaries'

[email protected] (CD Network)
September 11, 2012

scaveng

Mangalore, September 11: Two women working as 'scavengers' in Udupi for the last 42 years in Udupi are being harassed by the state government, Dr. Ravindranath Shanbhag, President, Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi, alleged.

Addressing media persons at Press Club in Mangalore on Tuesday, Mr. Shanbhag said that Akku and Leela have been working as scavengers for last 42 years in Government Women Teachers' Training Institute at Udupi (Karnataka) for a meager basic salary 15/- per month all the way.

From 1971, these two women were repeatedly requesting the higher authorities in the Department of Education to sanction minimum wages given to scavengers /sweepers. In 1999, they approached the Human Rights Protection Foundation, an NGO, for guidance and support. Even after two years of systematic correspondence from the NGO, there was no result. In 2001, they were guided and helped to file a petition with the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal at Bangalore. Soon after filing the case, the Education Department stopped even the meagre salary they have been paying. But the two ladies continued to work without salary in the hope of getting justice from the Law courts. On 25-7-2003, The Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) ordered for the regularization of services of the complainants in 90 days (copy enclosed). But still, nothing happened for fourteen months in spite of repeated representations from these ladies, Mr. Shanbhag said.

On 6-9-2004, the ladies filed contempt proceedings against the government. Immediately, the education department filed an appeal to the Karnataka High Court against the order of KAT. On 4-10-2004, Karnataka High court dismissed the appeal by the government after hearing and ordered the Government to pay the salaries (copy enclosed). Notices were issued for contempt of courts when salaries were not paid. Instead of paying their salaries, in 2005, Karnataka Govt preferred special leave petition before the Supreme Court of India (SLP No: 533/05) challenging the order of Karnataka High Court. On 22 -1-2010, Supreme Court of India passed the judgment ( Civil Appeal NO: 860-861 of 2010, copy enclosed) directing the Karnataka Government to consider the complainants' claim for regularization of employment with the principles laid down by Constitution Bench in State of Karnataka & others Vs Uma Devi & others.

But the scavengers have not received their wages even after two and a half years of the Supreme Court verdict. Now the authorities are saying that the women are not employable because they have reached the retirement age. However, the key point here is that they were indeed below the retirement age when the verdict was pronounced by the Supreme Court, Mr. Shanbhag said

The hapless illiterate women are asking whether there any other court above the Supreme Court of India so that they can get their hard earned salaries, Mr. Shanbhag lamented.


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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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