Seer urges govt to set up committee to revise anti-superstition bill

[email protected] (CD Network)
November 23, 2015

Chikkamagaluru, Nov 23: A progressive seer, who is known for his tough stance against Hindutva and communalism, has stressed on the need to set up a committee for revision of the draft on anti-superstition bill and initiate a discussion on it.

nidumamidi
Speaking at a seminar on the ill effects of superstitious beliefs on society, organised by AIUTC, at Am bedkar Bhavan in the town Veerabhadra Channamalla Swami, the pontiff of Nidumamidi mutt said the State government has been urged to set up the committee.

The government has procured two drafts of the bill. It should also refer to the drafts prepared by the Maharastra and Kerala governments to incorporate refinements in the final draft, he said.

The government has also been advised to consult religious leaders from all communities, Opposition party members and media personnel, before finalising the bill.

Meaningless customs spoil the health of the society. Rolling on food leftovers on banana leaves is such a practice. Instead, doctors can be appointed at the temples to provide treatment to those suffering from skin diseases, the seer said.

Similarly while observing Moharram, Muslims pierce hooks into their bodies and beat themselves to sacrifice blood. Instead, the same blood can be donated to remember the sacrifice of their ancestors. Also, the belief that only by performing vows and prayers at Dargahs and churches can cure diseases should be eradicated, he said and suggested appointment of doctors at Dargahs and churches to cure patients, before performing prayers.

Progressive thinker Dr Siddanagowda Patil alleged that astrologers have been using media to exploit innocent people.

The superstitious beliefs are also being propagated in social, financial and political fronts, he said and urged the government that it should seriously think about implementing the anti-superstition bill.

Kannada Sene district president P C Rajegowda, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike district president Teguru Jagadish, CPI leader Radha Sundaresh, H M?Renukaradhya, Raitha Sangha-Hasiru Sene leader R R Mahesh, journalist Dinesh Patawardhan and educationist Dr Vinayaka Sindhigere were present.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
December 16,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 16: The Mangaluru City police have significantly escalated their campaign against drug trafficking, arresting 25 individuals and booking 12 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between November 30 and December 13. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illicit substances, including 685.6 grams of MDMA and 1.5 kg of ganja.

The success of this recent drive has been significantly boosted by the city’s innovative, QR code-based anonymous reporting system.

"The anonymous reporting system has received an encouraging response. Several recent arrests were made based on inputs received through this system, helping police tighten the noose around drug peddlers," said the City Police Commissioner.

The latest arrests contribute to a robust year-to-date record, underscoring the police's relentless commitment to combating the drug menace.

Up to December 14 this year, the police have registered a total of 107 cases of drug peddling, leading to the arrest of 219 peddlers. Furthermore, they have booked 562 cases of drug consumption, resulting in the arrest of 671 individuals.

The scale of the seizure for the year reflects the magnitude of the problem being tackled: police have seized 320.6 kg of ganja worth ₹88.7 lakh and 1.4 kg of MDMA valued at ₹1.2 crore. Other significant seizures include hydro-weed ganja worth ₹94.7 lakh and cocaine worth ₹1.9 lakh, among others.

The Commissioner emphasized a policy of rigorous enforcement: "We ensure that peddlers are caught red-handed so that they cannot later dispute the case or claim innocence."

To counter the rising trend of substance abuse among youth, the Mangaluru City police have rolled out uniform guidelines for random drug testing across educational institutions.

As part of the drive, tests were conducted in approximately 100 institutions, screening an estimated 5,500 to 6,000 students in the first phase. 20 students tested positive for drug consumption during the initial screening.

Students who tested positive have been provided counselling and are scheduled for re-testing in the second quarter. The testing will also be expanded to students not covered in the first phase. In a move to ensure strict implementation, police personnel were deployed in mufti in some institutions. Reiterating a zero-tolerance stance, the Commissioner confirmed that random testing will continue, and colleges have also been instructed to conduct drug tests at the time of admission to deter substance abuse from an early stage.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.