Siddu budget evokes mixed response in twin districts

[email protected] (News Network)
July 13, 2013
Mangalore/Udupi, Jul 13: Siddaramaiah's first budget as chief minister on Friday has evoked a mixed reaction in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

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According to Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Mohammed Ameen overall it was a populist Budget. The Rs. 800 crore for industry and commerce is a very small part of the entire Budget, he noted. The focus is not on industry, and a lot of importance is given to agriculture, he added. The extra 0.5 per cent VAT still continues, which is “really bad”, because Karnataka cannot compete with other States.

The Small scale industries should have been treated on par with agriculture as it generates employment and contributes to the export sector, said BA Nazeer, president of the association.

He said the trade licence issue has not been resolved and urged the Government to completely abolish trade licence for small scale industries in the state which has been registered with more than 25 government departments.

The coastal region got bountiful in terms of plenty of budget sops to the fisheries sector including Rs 4 crore for the College of Fisheries. The 44-year-old College of Fisheries in Mangalore too is happy with the bounty. KM Shankar, dean of the college, said: "It is because of the performance and research activities that the college got noticed. The funds will help in improving the infrastructure, particularly buildings, and to develop a farmer training centre, museum and modern aquarium.

Vasudev Boloor, general secretary, Karnataka State Fishermen's Parishad, said: "It seems like the CM has really gone into our demands. We welcome raising the Matsyashraya scheme amount from Rs 60,000 to Rs.1.20 lakh and also tax-free diesel for mechanised motorboats from 1.3 lakh kilo litres to 1.5 lakh kilo litres.

Niren Jain from Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation, said: "We are not telling people should not get water. State should explore alternatives than jumping into this ecologically damaging Nethravathi diversion project first. The sad part is that this project as its comes under drinking water scheme, does not need even Environment Impact Assessment survey. What will be the result of diverting monsoon water on fisheries? Nobody has thought about it, he rued. The Mangalore University (MU), which has 19 Peethas (endowment chairs), has welcomed the decision to set up Ratnakaravarni Peetha at a cost of Rs 1 crore. Ratnakaravarni was a 16th century Kannada poet and writer. TC Shivashankara Murthy, vice-chancellor of MU, said: "The new Peetha will help students to learn about life and literary works of Ratnakaravarni. Soon university will prepare the objectives of this Peetha and submit it to the government."

Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) president Prasadraj Kanchan described the Budget “overall a balanced one”. The Chief Minister has approved a proposal of the UCCI to develop Hejmady fisheries harbor, he said.

“The challenge before Mr. Siddaramaiah is to recover Rs. 5,500 crore which is being spent on his Re. 1 kg per rice scheme,” he said.

Kudi Srinivas Bhat, general secretary of Udupi Zilla Krishik Sangha, said the decision to set up an Agricultural Prices Commission to rationalise prices of agricultural produce was a welcome step.

Surendranath Shetty, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, MGM College, said Mr. Siddaramaiah's had tried to woo the backwards classes, minority communities and Dalits (Ahinda) through the Budget ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Udaykumar Shetty, president of district unit of the BJP said that people expected something new from Mr. Siddaramaiah since he had presented seven Budgets. Deviprasad Shetty, President of district unit of Janata Dal (Secular) echoed a similar view and said the Budget did not have anything for the youth and rural development.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the inaugural ceremony of Karavali Utsava, which will be held at the Karavali Utsava Ground on Saturday.

The festival will be inaugurated at 6:00 pm by Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Cultural and public programmes will be held at the venue every evening and will continue until January 2.

According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, parking of vehicles is strictly prohibited on both sides of the road from Lalbagh to Karavali Utsava Ground. Visitors are requested to park their vehicles only at designated parking areas.

To help the public, traffic signboards and parking guidance flex boards have been installed along the routes leading to the venue. The police have urged commuters and visitors to follow these instructions to ensure smooth traffic movement.

Designated Parking Locations

•    Urwa Market Ground – Cars
•    Gandhinagar Government School (near Press Club) – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Ladyhill Church parking area – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Canara School Ground, Mannagudda – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Thimmappa Hotel premises – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Scout and Guide Bhavana premises (behind Karavali Utsava Grounds) – Two-wheelers
•    Urwa Market Road – Two-wheelers
•    Hat Hill Road – Two-wheelers

The police have appealed to the public to cooperate by following traffic rules and parking guidelines to avoid inconvenience during the festival.

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