Latest news with #Rajyotsava
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Teacher shotage in govt schools likely to reach 1 lakh by April 2026: KDA chief
Belagavi: Purushottam Bilimale, chairman of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), revealed that Karnataka is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers in its govt-run primary and high schools, with current vacancies standing at an alarming 55,000. The situation is set to worsen significantly, as an additional 36,000 teachers are slated to retire by April 2026, potentially pushing the total deficit to a staggering 1 lakh. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Bilimale clarified that the teacher shortage is not confined to border areas but is a statewide issue. He noted that while 32,000 guest teachers are currently serving, with another 12,000 recently appointed, this measure offers only temporary relief. "As KDA chairman, I have already brought this critical issue to the attention of chief minister Siddaramaiah and primary and secondary education minister Madhu Bangarappa," Bilimale stated. "I have also written articles on the matter. While I don't anticipate a complete resolution immediately, I will assure that priority will be given to border districts when appointments are made." Kannada language implementation lauded In a positive development, the Kannada scholar commended officials of the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) for their diligent implementation of the govt's 60:40 language ratio mandate for boards and hoardings across the city. "According to BCC officials, approximately 8,000 out of 10,000 such boards already adhere to the govt prescribed ratio. The remaining will be addressed in the coming days, and I have instructed them to achieve 100% compliance," Bilimale said. He emphasized that the 60:40 ratio, which allows 40% space for other languages, is a model order that has been adopted by Odisha as well, following Karnataka's lead. Pending issues and future plans Regarding the demand for withdrawing the cases against Kannada activists, the KDA chief indicated that results could be seen within the next six months, citing previous discussions with CM Siddaramaiah. He also promised to write to the govt requesting a budget allocation of Rs 2 crore for the Rajyotsava celebrations in Belagavi, an event that draws an estimated 6 to 7 lakh attendees. Bilimale assured that he would appeal the govt to halt official ads and other facilities to non-Kannada newspapers in Belagavi, that publish content against Kannada language, Karnataka, and Kannadigas. He also directed BCC commissioner Shubha B to inspect the Gadi Bhavan in Vadagaon, which has been unused for many years, and initiate measures to make it functional. Concerning the state-of-the-art Kannada Bhavan in Belagavi, for which the govt has invested Rs 7 crore, Bilimale confirmed that the DC has formed a special committee to oversee the building. "Measures will be taken to make the hall available at the lowest cost for Kannada-related activities," he promised. Border development authority member Ashok Chandaragi, KDA nominated members Dakshayini Huded, and KDA secretary Santosh Hanagal were present. Prior to this, Bilimale and his team held meetings with leaders of pro-Kannada organisations and conducted review meetings on Kannada implementation at DC office and BCC office.
India Today
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Shameless, escapist: Karnataka BJP chief's open letter to Siddaramaiah on stampede
BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleagues, holding them "morally responsible" for the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede that killed 11 an open letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Vijayendra called the incident 'a dark chapter in Karnataka's history' and accused the Congress-led government of gross negligence and administrative failure. He said the tragedy was not just an accident but the result of 'political obsession' and a 'complete collapse of governance.''Your government's inaction and failure to anticipate crowd turnout despite prior knowledge are nothing short of criminal negligence,' he Chief Minister's shameless and escapist statements are an insult to those who lost their lives,' the BJP leader wrote, demanding the immediate resignations of Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara. 'History will not forgive this inaction,' he warned. Vijayendra also cast doubt on the judicial probe announced by the government, saying it would lack credibility if controlled by those in power. 'Justice cannot be expected from an investigation orchestrated by the very hands responsible for the tragedy,' he the state government has ordered a judicial inquiry and promised compensation to the victims' families, opposition leaders have stepped up pressure, accusing the administration of poor planning and crowd mismanagement during the Rajyotsava celebration at the InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP MP calls environmental activists as ‘agents of Goa government', told to apologise
Environment activists protesting against Mahadayi basin projects in Karnataka have demanded an apology from BJP MP Jagadish Shettar for calling them 'agents of Goa government'. 'The statement by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, branding eminent environmentalists of Belagavi as 'agents of the Goa government', is not only shameful, it is a deliberate attack on truth, dignity, and the democratic voice of the people. The MP should immediately issue a public apology,' activist Sujit Mulgund said in Belagavi on June 2. He told reporters that the activists who Mr. Shettar had termed agents are respected personalities who had worked hard for decades to protect and preserve the environment. They include Dileep Kamat who has been involved in selfless activism for over 60 years. He has worked with Baba Amte and saved 80,000 acres of forest from exploitation by corporates and others. Shivajirao Kaganikar, who is known as the 'Water Man of North Karnataka' He has been honoured with the Rajyotsava and Devraj Urs awards. He is a Gandhian, and has been a relentless advocate of justice to the deprived classes, rainwater harvesting, and afforestation Lieutenant General Srikrishna Sardeshpande a war hero, awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Rajyotsava Award, who laid the groundwork for Bhimgad, Kodachadri, and Mhadei conservation zones with his environmental activism. 'The activists also include Colonel Ravindra Saini, Captain Nitin Dhond, Nyla Coelho, and Sharada Gopal. They comprise social activists, scientists, social reformers, educators, all sons and daughters of this soil who are tirelessly working to protect the environment,' he said. 'These are not outsiders. They are the soul of Belagavi, guardians of our forests, rivers, and communities. They have received awards from successive governments, including the Parisara Mitra Award and commendations from Chief Ministers. Mr. Shettar has no right to insult them. These environmental warriors have achieved what politicians only promise. They have protected our land without asking for votes or power. Mr. Shettar's attack reeks of political insecurity, and an attempt to deflect from the real issue — illegal deforestation, ecological destruction, and political nexus with land-grabbing interests,' Mr. Mulgund said. Raju Topannanvar, activist, said that the 'Save Water, Save Western Ghats' movement will organise a rally in Belagavi on June 3 to protest against the Mahadayi basin projects. 'We are doing this for the environment. Not for any party, not for Goa, not for votes. We will march for truth, forests, water, and future generations. Let the people judge who is truly serving Belagavi and who is serving vested interests,' Mr. Topannanavar said. He said that Ridhima Pandey, a 17-year-old climate activist from Haridwar, would join the rally. 'Her journey of activism began in 2017 when she filed a petition against the government of India for failing to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement. In 2019, Ridhima joined 15 other children, including Greta Thunberg, in a historic lawsuit at the United Nations against five countries —Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and Turkey — for violating the rights of children through inaction on climate change,' Mr. Topannanavar said.
