UTK mulls ending NGOs’ involvement in govt’s eye health schemes

[email protected] (CD Network | Photos by Suresh)
February 8, 2016

Mangaluru, Feb 8: The state government is considering the implementation of schemes under National Programme of Control of Blindness (NPCB) directly without the help of NGOs.

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Minister for health and family welfare U T Khader said there is a need for making direct empanelment with hospitals to implement NPCB schemes of free cataract surgeries and distribution of spectacles to beneficiaries in the state. Khader was speaking at a meeting of technical committee that was set up to frame the State Eye Health Policy here on Monday.

He said that the system of empanelment through NGOs, should be replaced with direct empanelment. "Transfer funds under NPCB directly to hospitals instead of diverting it through 200 registered NGOs. We need to fill gaps through proper mechanism and improve ophthalmological care system in the state. The possibility of double reimbursement and misuse of funds can be avoided effectively through empanelment of hospitals directly," Khader said.

Though Rs 5.7 crore has been reimbursed under the scheme, the benefit of the scheme is not being reached to people properly, Khader said pointing out the possibilities of patients being cheated by the NGOs through double payment.

"Cataract surgeries are absolutely free in all government and private hospitals," Khader said

Earlier, members of the technical committee pointed out present constraints and challenges in NPCB implementation.Eye Health program is more cataract centric and not focused on Glaucoma, Uncorrected refractive errors, Diabetic Relinopathy, Chilclhood Blindness and others.

Comprehensive eye examination is not generally practiced, especially, in outreach screening camps. Most of the NGOs utilize the services of optometrists and not Ophthalmologists in screening camps. Outreach screening camps are conducted based on the convenience of NGOs arid not based on the need.

There is a lack of structured District micro plan to cover the undeserved areas based on low cataract surgical rate (CSR). Individually corrected refractive spectacles are not provided by most of the NGOs, said Dr Krishna Prasad, chairman of the technical committee.

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News Network
December 5,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant step to curb online hate and intimidation, Mangaluru City Police have registered a suo motu case against multiple Instagram accounts accused of circulating alleged provocative and threatening content.

While monitoring social media activity on Tuesday, Kankanady Town PSI Anitha Nikkam identified the Instagram handle ‘team_targetttt_900’ for posting a hate message alongside images of lethal weapons. Another account, ‘team_nagara_900’, allegedly shared a threatening post targeting activist Bharath Kumdelu, tagging additional pages such as KARAVALI-OFFICIAL.

Several other accounts — including ‘immu_bhai.fan’, ‘target_boy_900’, ‘kings_of_manglore’, ‘team_target_boys.900’, ‘arshad_mangalore’, ‘target_ka19_ullal’, ‘team_target__’, ‘troll_tigersz_900’, ‘tr_group_900’, and ‘team_target_900’ — are also under scrutiny for spreading similar inflammatory material, police said.

Authorities have urged citizens, especially young social media users, to report suspicious pages and avoid engaging with groups that glorify violence or threaten individuals. Online hate can quickly escalate into real-world harm, and police stress that sharing or promoting such content can attract legal consequences.

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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.

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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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