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CM inaugurates Karnataka NRI Forum-UAE; hails initiative of Kannadigas

[email protected] (Shodhan Prasad)
April 29, 2017

Dubai, Apr 29: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday officially inaugurated the newly formed official body for non-resident Kannadigas United Arab Emirates, ‘Karnataka NRI Forum – UAE’ at Indian Consulate Auditorium, Dubai.

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Dr Arathi Krishna, the Vice President of NRI Forum Govt. of Karnataka, along with the dignitaries from Karnataka and Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty the Honorary President of the Forum along with President elect Praveen Kumar Shetty were present during the official inauguration ceremony witnessed by various Karnataka based businessmen in UAE, Leaders of various Karnataka based Associations in UAE, 36 registered founder members of the newly formed Karnataka NRI Forum – UAE and other guests.

The programme started at around 3 pm with welcome note and briefing of the NRI Forum by Arathi Adiga who compered the cultural programme organised by Vishwanath Shetty and also read out the names of those sponsors. Welcome dance was performed by the students of Impact Talent Performing Arts Training Centre choreographed by Vidhushi Aruna Umamaheshwari. Later Klassical Rhythms presented a beautiful dance performance which was choreographed by Vidhushi Rohini Ananth. Followed was a dance performance by Radical Dance Studio choreographed by Vijay Jogi and another dance presented by Sankeerna which was choreographed by Vidhushi Sapna Kiran. All the dances were well appreciated by the whole audience in the auditorium.

It was around 4 pm Siddaramaiah along with the dignitaries arrived at the venue with grand salutation by live drum beats and horns by a professional group who led the procession of the dignitaries with traditional greetings by women groups who marched into the auditorium while all the Kannadigas inside gave a standing ovation welcoming the main guests of the evening. It was a day to be remembered in the history of UAE wherein a warm welcome in traditional Karnataka style was honoured for the official inauguration of ‘Karnataka NRI Forum – UAE’ a proud moment for all Kannadigas in UAE.

While the guests were seated the cultural programme continued with dance, performance presented by Impact Talent’s choreographed by Mehul Kumar followed by another dance presentation by Radical Dance Studio choreographed by Vijay Jogi. Later was a dance presented by Symphony Music Institute choreographed by Vidhushi Sujatha Sham and another dance presented by Klassical Rhythms choreographed by Vidhushi Rohini Ananth.

At around 5 pm was the inauguration function and Ganesh Rai took over the stage inviting the guests on to the stage for the official function. Dr. B. R. Shetty escorted Chief Minsiter Shri. Siddaramaiah on to the stage, Praveen Shetty escorted Indian Consul General HE Vipul while Prabhakar Ambalthare escorted Minister U.T. Khader and Dr. Kaup escorted Dr. Arathi Krishna on to the stage for the formal function.

The official inauguration started with UAE National Anthem while all the guests and audience stood with due respect followed by Indian National Anthem and Karnataka ‘Naada Geethe’ presented with traditional touch with background video display of Karnataka and live singing by women.

Soon Prabhakar Ambalthare, General Secretary of Karnataka NRI Forum UAE welcomed the guests and audience and briefed on the progamme. This was followed by traditional lighting of the lamp inaugurating the programme while ‘Hachevu Kannadadha Deepa’ was played on the background symbolizing the inauguration by the traditional lighting of the lamp.

With all the dignitaries on the stage the official launch of Karnataka NRI Forum UAE’s Logo launch was done in a professional way by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Founder President Praveen Kumar Shetty later welcomed the guests and rendered speech in true Kannada depicting the importance of the Forum. He briefed about the formation and said that eight months ago he was hearing a lot of grievances by Kannadigas specially in UAE who were not able to address their issues anywhere with the Government of India. Hence was always thinking of forming an NRI cell based on the success of similar organisation of the neighbouring state Kerala ( NORKA).

With assistance of former MLA H Srinivas he was successful in meeting the CM in several occasions which resulted in success in formation of Karnataka NRI Forum. He also said that the 36 board members of this cell are truly based with the district wise representation of whole of Karnataka irrespective of any caste creed or religion. While anticipating full support from all Kannadigas all over UAE he assured smooth and good functioning of the forum for any grievances and concerns of Kannadigas.

Followed was the oath taking process officially organized by the Forum with the lead by H.E. Vipul inviting the Team of NRI Forum, the Honorary President Dr. B.R. Shetty & the working President Praveen Kumar Shetty for the oath taking ceremony. This continued with the Vice Presidents, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer, Joint Treasurer & Executive Members doing the honours respectively.

Honorary President Dr. B.R. Shetty spoke on the event and welcomed Indian Consulate General H.E. Vipul and Chief guest Honourable Shri. Siddaramaiah and expressed his happiness for the arrival of the chief minister for the first ever inauguration of Karnataka NRI Forum. He invited non resident Kannadigas to invest in friendly state Karnataka and said that he already invested in few ventures such as Jog Falls tourism development plus major hospital administration in Udupi and also dialysis centre in all hospitals throughout Karnataka. He also added that the Abu Dhabi Government is very keen in opening investments with Government of Karnataka.

Later Minister of Food, U.T. Khader promised full cooperation to the KNRI – UAE and said that his government will look into the grievances of all NRIs with due importance and in quick manner.

Siddaramaiah was felicitated with flower bouquet, fruit basket, Felicitation letter and Memento by KNRI Team. Followed was honour by various Karnataka based organisations in UAE who presented the Chief Minister with flower bouquet one by one.

Speaking after felicitation, Siddaramaiah said that he is very happy that Kannadigas in UAE in the leadership of Praveen Shetty has taken up this initiative in forming the first Karnataka NRI Forum in UAE. He said that any Kannadigas residing outside India should always remember that he is an Indian first and then Kannadiga.

He said “Wherever you live, however you live be a Kannadiga anytime. ( the quotation refers to the well known poet Kuvempu – Yelladuru iru, yenthadaru iru, yendendigu nee Kannada vagiru)”. He briefed that under his leadership Karnataka has become a complaint free state but also assured that any grievances of the citizens will always be his first preference to address.

Karnataka now has become No. 1 investment friendly state for Indians and also No. 2 as friendly investors state for foreign direct investments, he added.

Chief Minister proudly said that he had successfully completed all his 168 manifestos he had promised during his previous election campaign much before his governor’s period. He promised full cooperation and support with legal financial assistance to the newly formed Karnataka NRI Forum UAE and said that this forum should be an example for others to follow.

Main Sponsors of the event were later honored on the stage with shawl and mementos for their contribution. The programme ended with vote of thanks rendered by Sarvotham Shetty.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah invites NRI tycoons in UAE to invest in Karnataka

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News Network
December 2,2025

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Bengaluru: 'Nati koli saaru' (country chicken curry) considered one of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s favourites along with steaming hot idlis was on the breakfast menu at Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s residence on Tuesday, according to official sources.

The spread also included 'nati koli' fry, vada and pongal, among other items, they said.

In an apparent show of unity, Siddaramaiah visited Shivakumar’s residence for breakfast, just days after the two leaders shared a meal amid a simmering power tussle in the state Congress.

Siddaramaiah drove to the Deputy CM’s residence in Sadashivanagar, where he was received by Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh, who is a former Congress MP.

Suresh and Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath, a relative of Shivakumar, joined them for breakfast, which featured a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar had invited him during his visit to the CM’s residence for breakfast on Saturday.

Asked about the difference between the two meals, the chief minister said, "At his (Shivakumar’s) house it was non-veg, while at my house it was veg. He is a vegetarian, I am a non-vegetarian. I had not prepared non-veg. I told DK to get chicken from the village as you won’t get the original in Bengaluru."

Shivakumar said he had initially invited Siddaramaiah to his residence, but the CM had suggested visiting his place first and reciprocating later. "It was a vegetarian breakfast at the CM’s house on Saturday," he noted.

"Today, I invited him (the CM) to my house. He enjoyed the breakfast, which had his Mysuru taste," Shivakumar added. At this point, Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar’s wife is also from Mysuru.

Saturday’s breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, held as part of efforts by the Congress high command to ease tensions in the leadership dispute between the two, reportedly included idlis and sambar, according to official sources.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 21: The Karnataka government is facing pressure to overhaul its employment system after a high-level Cabinet sub-committee recommended the complete phase-out of job outsourcing in government offices, boards, and corporations by March 2028. The move is aimed at tackling a systemic issue that has led to the potential violation of constitutional reservation policies and the exploitation of workers.

The Call for Systemic Change

With over three lakh vacant posts currently being filled through private agencies on an outsource, insource, or daily wage basis, the sub-committee highlighted a significant lapse. "As a result, reservations are not being followed as per the Constitution and state laws. It’s an urgent need to take serious steps to change the system. It has been recommended to completely stop the system of outsourcing by March 2028," the panel stated in a document.

The practice of outsourcing involves private companies hiring workers to perform duties for a government agency. Critics argue this model results in lesser salaries, a lack of social security benefits (otherwise available to permanent government employees), and a failure to adhere to the provisions of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination.

The 'Bidar Model' as a Stop-Gap Solution

To regulate the current mode of employment and reduce worker exploitation until the 2028 deadline, the government plans to establish workers’ services multi-purpose cooperative societies across all districts, following the successful "Bidar Model."

The Bidar District Services of Labour Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd., which operates under the District Commissioner, is cited as a successful example of providing a measure of social security to outsourced staff. Labour Department officials argue this society ensures workers receive their due wages and statutory facilities like ESI (Employees' State Insurance) and PF (Provident Fund), in exchange for a 1% service fee collected from the employees.

legislative push and Priority Insourcing

The recommendations, led by the sub-committee headed by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, are set to be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting. The committee has proposed the introduction of the Karnataka Outsourced Employees (Regulation, Placement and Welfare) Bill 2025.

In a move addressing immediate concerns, Labour Minister Santosh Lad, a member of the sub-committee, has reportedly assured that steps will be taken over the next 2-3 years to insource workers in "life-threatening services" on a priority basis. This includes essential personnel like pourakarmikas (sanitation workers), drivers, electrical staff in the Energy Department, and Health Department staff handling contagious diseases. The transition aims to grant these workers the long-term security and benefits they currently lack under the outsourcing system. 

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News Network
November 27,2025

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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday announced that he will convene a high-level meeting in New Delhi with senior leaders — including Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar — to resolve the escalating leadership turmoil in Karnataka and “put an end to the confusion.”

Kharge said the discussions would focus on the way forward for the ruling party, as rumours of a possible leadership change continue to swirl. The speculation has intensified after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, reviving talk of an alleged 2023 “power-sharing agreement” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

“After reaching Delhi, I will call three or four important leaders and hold discussions. Once we talk, we will decide how to move ahead and end this confusion,” Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru, according to PTI.

When asked specifically about calling Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi, he responded: “Certainly, we should call them. We will discuss with them and settle the issue.”

He confirmed that Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and other senior members would be part of the deliberations. “After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah held a separate strategy meeting at his Bengaluru residence with ministers and leaders seen as his close confidants, including G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, K. Venkatesh and K.N. Rajanna.
Signalling calm, the Chief Minister told reporters, “Will go to Delhi if the high command calls.”

Shivakumar echoed a similar stance, saying he too would head to the national capital if summoned by the party leadership.

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