IT should be taken to other cities in State, says Tanvir Sait

IT should be taken to other cities in State, says Tanvir Sait
DH News Service Bangalore:

Minister of State for Labour Tanvir Sait on Wednesday said serious discussion was on to develop cities other than Bangalore to become IT hubs.

In his inaugural address at "Beyond Bangalore" conference organised as part of Bangalore IT.in , Mr Sait said that “This is the only way to generate employment and improve per capita income in smaller towns”.

Mysore and Mangalore were already growing as important destinations for IT industries and other cities like Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Davangere and Hassan had the potential to become IT hubs in the future, he said.


The government was taking all steps possible to ensure that all these destinations were well connected and had good infrastructure, he added.

Former chief secretary B S Patil said he was actively involved in promoting tier III cities in north Karnataka.

He felt that Hubli-Dharwad had everything that an industry would require to flourish. He also said that students from such areas probably lacked the polish that their counterparts in suburban areas had. But he was president of an organisation called BIC (BPO.Ites.Com) that was addressing this issue by setting up a "Finishing School" where students were trained appropriately, he added.

Head of Software Paradigms, India, Sid Mookherjee said his experience in setting up and running his firm from Mysore had been very smooth. He pointed out that in many ways Mysore was better than Bangalore (less commuting time, less pollution, cheaper real estate, etc.)

Mr Ramakrishnan M D, Efftronics, Vijayawada, said that his own experience of operating shop from a smaller city had also been very positive.

Mr Kurien James, CEO, Manipal Informatics, said that in his experience neutralising accents (for those who were to work in call centres) was easiest in Karnataka.

Aditya Puraskar for Gangubai Hanagal

Aditya Puraskar for Gangubai Hanagal
Friday October 28 2005 13:38 IST

HUBLI: Sangit Kala Kendra, Mumbai, will confer Dr Gangubai Hanagal, noted Hindustani classical vocalist with its prestigious award ‘Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikar Puraskar’, for 2005 in recognition of her service in the field of music.

In a letter adressed to Gangubai, Lalit Daga, honorary secretary of Sangit Kala Kendra, Mumbai said the award would be conferred on Gangubai at a feliciation function to be held at Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai on November 12.

He said the award would be given to Gangubai for her lifetime achievement in the field of Hindustani classical vocal.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a memento.

He said Lata Mangeshkar is the first recipient of the Puraskar in 1996. Dr Gangubai Hangal will be the 10th to be conferred with this award.

M F Hussain, Kelucharan Mahapatra, Pandit Bhimasen Joshi were conferred with this award earlier.

Karnataka projects tier-II cities for IT growth

Karnataka projects tier-II cities for IT growth

Our Bureau / Bangalore October 27, 2005

In an effort to decongest the already crowded Bangalore city, the state government on Wednesday appealed to the IT and BPO sector to look beyond Bangalore for expansion and new units. The government invited the IT firms to set up shop in secondary cities like Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad and Belgaum.

“The tier-II and tier-III cities in the state have all the necessary infrastructure required by IT companies and adequate number of trained engineers,” said Tanveer Sait, minister for labour.

Inaugurating a seminar on IT — Beyond Bangalore, organised as part of the four-day Bangalore IT.in, here on Wednesday, he said Mangalore and Mysore have already emerged as an alternative to Bangalore. Leading firms like Infosys and MphasiS have set up shop there. Now there is a need to look towards other cities like Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum and Manipal.

While the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has set up centres in Mysore, Mangalore, Manipal and Hubli, the fifth centre is being set up in Gulbarga, he said. The government has provided the necessary infrastructure for software companies in these cities.

Stating that the IT sector has a big role to play in development of infrastructure, Sait said the government was in the process of setting up a special economic zone for IT in Mangalore.

Making a presentation promoting Hubli-Dharwad as the next-generation IT destination, B S Patil, former chief secretary of Karnataka said the twin cities were the ideal location for setting up BPO companies. Hubli is the second largest city after Bangalore. According to a recent report of McKinsey, Hubli is the next destination for ITTeS on account of a large talent pool, good commercial and telecom infrastructure, strong business orientation, basic educational facilities and good lifestyle, he said.

The major advantages of being in Hubli, Patil said, are a sufficient workforce (it produces 5,000 graduates every year), air and railway connectivity, apart from 4-lane National Highway, and low real estate costs. STPI has set up one of its finest infrastructure at Hubli with 24x7 broadband connectivity. The MphasiS BFL Group is in the process of setting up its next BPO centre at Hubli, he said.

Sid Mookerjee, CEO, Software Paradigms India, in his presentation said Mysore was an ideal location for an IT firm. It is less polluted and possess all the infrastructure required by an IT company.

He said that his company will open a new campus early next year, which will provide 20,000 sq ft space for an incubation centre. He also invited IT companies to make use of the opportunity available to set up operations in Mysore.

Kurien James, CEO, Manipal Informatics, Giridhar Prabhu, former president, Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association, made presentations projecting Manipal and Mangalore as the ideal places for the IT sector to expand their presence.

Project to improve water supply in Hubli, Dharwad

Project to improve water supply in Hubli, Dharwad
The Hindu
Staff Correspondent

DHARWAD: The State Government has approved a Rs. 176-crore project to improve water supply in Hubli and Dharwad. In all probability, the work will commence in 2006, Minister for Municipal Administration S.R. Morey said here on Tuesday.

Speaking after performing "Bhoomi Puja" for road works taken up under the fourth phase of a Rs. 30-crore project to develop roads in the twin cities, Mr. Morey said there is no dearth of funds to implement the third phase of the Malaprabha drinking water project.

The Finance Minister, the Finance Secretary and the Urban Development Secretary have approved the project, and it will be implemented once the Cabinet approves it in the next meeting, Mr. Morey said. Under the Rs. 30-crore project, 23 roads in Dharwad north and south will be developed at a cost of Rs. 10 crores. The work will be completed in 10 months, he said.

Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor, Hubli-Dharwad, and council members Pratap Chauhan, Bharati Patil, Shantha Budihal, Akkamahadevi Teli, Shashikala Shukla, Mummijan Guttal and Lalita Lokur were present. S.L. Koshti, Superintending Engineer, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, welcomed the gathering.

Govt to release Rs 20 cr soon: Mayor

Govt to release Rs 20 cr soon: Mayor
Saturday October 22 2005 11:14 IST

HUBLI: Mayor Hanumantappa Betageri has said that the State Government would soon release Rs 20 crore to Hubli-Dharwad Muncipal Corporation to take up developmental works.

He told mediapersons that a proposal sent by the corporation demanding Rs 42 crore for infrastructure development was approved by the Urban Development Department.

The corporation will take up developmental works, including construction of pavements, streamlining of UGD system, upgrading roads etc, with the amount.

There will be no further delay in executing works after releasing the amount, he added.

He said the corporation had decided to request the State government to allocate Rs 400 crore for the overall development of twin-cities and to complete the third phase of Malaprabha drinking water project in the ensuing budget.

He said that PWD officers concerned had been directed to take up works on constructing a ring road to ease traffic congestion.

He also said that it had been decided to acquire land from the KIADB for the development of the airport and the authorities had been asked to take immediate measures to install lighting facility for night landing.

Laxman Uppar, Yamanur Gudihal and Altaf Kittur were present at a press conference.

HDUDA to serve final notices shortly: DC

HDUDA to serve final notices shortly: DC
Saturday October 22 2005 11:12 IST

DHARWAD: M S Srikar, Deputy Commissioner, has warned of serving final notice to people, who have not cleared their dues after purchasing plots in Sattur and Rayanal layouts of Hubli-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (HDUDA).

Speaking to media persons here, he said that more than 350 people had so for not cleared their interests and principal amount to be borne by them for purchasing plots.

The last and final notice will be served shortly, failing to clear the dues, their registration will be cancelled, he said.

He said that beneficiaries who had registered their names for 183 plots being developed in Sattur, need to owe Rs 2.13 crore to the authority, whereas a total of Rs 85 lakh for the plots developed in Rayanal.

He said that HDUDA will take stringent measures to recover dues from the beneficiaries and same will be utilised for the development of other layouts. Steps will also be taken to ensure transparency in this matter, he added.

A scholarship of Rs 5,000 will be given to selected five Hidustani classical music students every month through the Mallikarjun Mansur Trust.

With view to enlighten the use of computers among rural students, a computer literacy programme will be organised in the district from October 26 to 29, he said.

Spreading the roots of success

Spreading the roots of success
Deccan Herald

Grama Chethana, an organisation created by farmers at Surashettikoppa in Dharwad dist and its surrounding villages pass on the secrets of sustainable farming to their counterparts across the State, Anitha Pailoor tells us.

The ultimate goal of farming is not just to grow crops, but to cultivate perfect human beings. Communities around Surashettikoppa in Dharwad try to live up to this goal. Besides equipping themselves with techniques of sustainable farming, they are passing it over to others in the State through hands-on training.

Malleshappa who has received training at Grama Chethana, the organisation formed to train farmers, feels that the hands-on approach and sharing of experience by farmers in Surashettikoppa has inspired him to take the road of sustainability.

Malleshappa was among a team of farmers brought to the organisation for a two-day training programme by Dharwad's Malaprabha Grameen Bank and the NABARD.


A dream come true for farmers in Surashettikoppa and adjacent villages, Grama Chethana has been in action for the past eight months. It's incredible to believe these very farmers didn't have any hopes of survival 10 years ago and started migrating to cities. "Thanks to the guidance by BAIF, Dharwad, we could achieve the unthinkable," says Mr Haklada.

Under the project 'Transfer of technology for sustainable development', Dharwad division of BAIF Institute for Rural Development imparted its training programme in 1996 at 22 villages of Kalaghatagi and Hubli. Intended to alleviate poverty among indigent families, the project became a roaring success due to full co-operation by the farmers.

"Though the project came to a close on March 2005, we wanted to continue with the programme. After much brainstorming, we came up with the concept of Grama Chethana," says Dr Prakash Bhat, additional programme director, BAIF. The idea was concretised after consultations with Sarvodaya Mahasangha (federation of self-help groups).

The concept was eventually realised with contributions from Gram Vikas Samithi and other farmers associations. The Mahasangha's purchase of one-acre land at Surashettikoppa made local farmers take responsibility for the project. "Our objective of greater public participation happened in this project voluntarily," Dr Bhat notes.

Basavanneppa Angady, former president of Sarvodaya Mahasangha mentions training programme offered at Grama Chethana is different: "We carry on with what BAIF taught us.

If a farmer comes to buy 100 teak saplings from our nursery, we brief him about other trees that can be planted and widen his options. This information often turns out to be helpful for him," he adds.

Manjunath, the BAIF staff who co-ordinates workshops at the centre, says farmers handle sessions quite effectively, as they talk from their own experience. This gradually led to increase in number of visitors to the farms here and so arose the need to conduct the training in an organised way through a centre.

Areas handled here also covered livestock, tree-based farming, soil and water conservation, sericulture and people's organisation.

A rightful blend of classroom and practical sessions, the programme offers farmers the unique opportunity of living through what they learn, in the aspect of farming they choose. Arun Kumar of Yellapur, another member of the NABARD sponsored team, says that he could see how things worked in Surashettikoppa.

"Initially it appeared quite normal. The sight of farmers handling indoor sessions however, made us feel the difference slowly and during our field visits, we witnessed the way farmers integrated agriculture into their lifestyle and how it has improved their standard of living," Arun Kumar explains.

Armed with technical information, resource persons explain how the techniques transformed their lives - and inspired other farmers to follow them in their own farms. Bharamavva Hosamani, one of the nine resource persons handling the five categories of training, says talking about his experience became easier, as he started handling more batches.

"After all, we are going to talk about what we have gone through and the two-day indoor-session-cum-field-visit is adequate to do that," Hosamani says. Even the building, where the centre is housed, is designed to suit the objectives of environmental friendliness. Bharamagoudra Ninganagoudra Patil and his wife act as caretakers of the centre.

Dr Bhat says that by earning their livelihood from the centre-owned land, the Patils have indeed become examples for Grama Chethana's objectives and a role model for other farmers.

Government urged to institute Nanjundappa award

Government urged to institute Nanjundappa award
Newindpress.com

Tuesday October 18 2005 12:43 IST

DHARWAD: Patil Puttappa, veteran journalist, has urged the State government to institute awards in the name of the late Dr D M Nanjundappa.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Dr D M Nanjundappa memorial programme organised at Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangh here recently.

He said Nanjudappa had shown a new direction on the overall development of north Karnataka.

To recognise the services of such a person, the government should institute awards named after him, he said.

The government should put in sincere efforts to implement the recommendations of Dr Nanjundappa committee, he said.

Chennaveer Kanavi,poet, said the government should implement the report of Nanjundappa committee as it was essential for the overall development of this region, he said.

He asked the people not to vote for leaders and ministers who failed to implement the recommendations in toto.

Former MP Vijay Sankeshwar attributed the present sorry state of north Karantaka region to the people’s apathy towards its development.

He advised people to stop approaching ministers or leaders to get their problems solved but to question them for their failure to solve the problems of this region.

M P Ishwarappa,Dr M C Kodli, Dr R V Dadibhavi, Mohan Nagammanavar, Veena Kulkarni and others were present.

Activists, college students launch campaign to save tank in Dharwad

Activists, college students launch campaign to save tank in Dharwad
The Hindu

NSS volunteers take out a `jatha' to save 94-year-old Kelageri tank

CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN: Poet Channaveera Kanavi addressing the participants before inaugurating the `jatha' to create awareness about restoration of Kelageri Tank in Dharwad on Sunday.

DHARWAD: Hundreds of students of National Service Scheme (NSS) units from various colleges, water conservation activists and like-minded people on Sunday walked 8 km here as a first step towards creating awareness about saving a 94-year-old tank.

Holding placards and banners with slogans urging people to realise the importance of water conservation and saving the Kelageri Tank, the participants in the "jatha" raised slogans about water conservation techniques.

Poet Channaveera Kanavai flagged off the "jatha" near the

Railway Station. It took two hours for the participants to reach the Kelageri Tank. A public meeting was held at Kelageri.

Awareness drive


Sanjiv Kulkarni of Jala Vichar Balaga, a forum of water conservation enthusiasts, said the "jatha" is for creating awareness about water conservation not only among the general public but also among the activists.

He said the jatha is just a beginning. The tank needs to be claned and sewage has to be diverted. Several steps need to be taken in coordination with the University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad, which has control over the tank, he said.

Somashekharappa, NSS Coordinator, Karnatak University, said that 187 NSS units of various colleges that come under the university have taken up the cause of water conservation. "On the university campus, 84 soak pits and two check dams have been built for conservation of rainwater. The NSS has taken up an initiative regarding rainwater harvesting in association with the municipal

corporation," he said.

Kutyal, former State Liaison Officer for NSS, Himachal Pradesh, offered help to the campaign.

P.K. Pujar, who spoke on behalf of the villagers, said they would support any endeavour to save Kelageri Tank.

Writer Mohan Nagammanavar took part in the programme.

Speaking to press persons after the programme, Prakash Bhat of Jala Vichar Balaga said next step will be to bring senior officials of the Municipal Corporation for a visit to the tank and its command area and make them aware of reasons for bad state of the tank.

BAIF Development Research Foundation, Jala Vichar Balaga, Vignan Mantapa of Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha and NSS wing of Karnatak University have jointly organised the programme in association with the villagers of Kelageri.

Developmental scheme for twin cities

Developmental scheme for twin cities
Newindpress.com

Monday October 17 2005 10:08 IST

DHARWAD: S R Morey, Minister for Muncipal Administration and District-in-charge said that Rs 280 crore improvement scheme for the twin cities under the North Karnataka City Development Project is ready for implementation and it will be completing before 2008.

He was speaking after performing Bhumi Pooja of the third stage of road construction work from Udaya Hostel to Karnataka University, as a part of Rs 30 crore project for upgrading the important roads in Hubli and Dharwad.

Morey said that North Karnataka City Development Project includes providing under ground drainage system, solid waste management and compost manufacturing, treatment of sewage water and road improvement.

He called upon the urban and local bodies to mobilise the resources and take up similar works in order to attract investments and beautification of the cities.

He said that carpeting of 13 important roads in Dharwad south would be taken up at a cost of Rs 5.10 crore. He informed that Rs 30 crore project had been divided into four packages, two each in Hubli, Dharwad and the road work will be completed with in period of 10 months. The first stage of work is of Rs 92.76 lakh, he added.

Minister sought co-operation of elected representatives and general public for providing basic infrastructure to the citizens of urban areas.

Bharathi Patil, opposition leader of HDMC spoke on the occasion.

Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor, HDMC presided over the function.

P Manivannan, Commissioner, HDMC, Yamanur Gudihal, House Leader, K Barnabas, Nanda Gogare, Mammijan Guttal, Prakash Kyarakatti, Shubah Shinde, Akkamahadevi Theli, Laxman Uppar, Mangalagouri Agnihotri, Chandan Savadi, Razia Begum Sangolli, and others were present.

Water conservation programme

Water conservation programme
Newindpress.com

Monday October 17 2005 10:11 IST
DHARWAD: ‘Jala Vichara Vedike,’ a forum on water conservation, organised a jatha in co-ordination with NSS wing of Karnatak University, Vignana Mantapa of Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangh and villagers of Kelageri, to focus on the conservation of the Kelageri tank here on Sunday.

It was once the source of drinking water to the city that was built by Sir M Vishveshwaraiah in 1911. ‘Nadoja’ awardee Chennaveera Kanavi has flagged off the jatha. Dr.A Murigeppa, Dr.Sadananda Kanavalli, Dr.Somashekharappa and others participated.

Rs. 5 crores for footpaths, drains in Hubli, Dharwad
The Hindu

Funds from the sale of Software Technology Park complex to be utilised for works
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Plan covers 24 roads in Hubli and seven in Dharwad
Roads divided into three categories
Rs. 3.3 crores allocated for Hubli, Rs. 1.7 crore for Dharwad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HUBLI: The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has chalked out a Rs. 5-crore action plan for the construction of footpaths and stormwater drains, including widening of roads in the twin cities.

This plan includes the footpaths and other related works which were taken up by some contractors on request of the corporation immediately after the demolition drive to clear encroachments on the corporation property.

It focusses on the roads where immediate reconstruction is required.

The plan covers 24 roads in Hubli and seven in Dharwad, and has taken into account the tender premiums that need to be paid to contractors.

Based on the priority list, the roads in Hubli and Dharwad have been divided into three categories — category 1, 2 and 3. There is also a special category that comprises arterial roads in Hubli.

Beautification

According to the plan, the work consists of construction of footpaths and drains with slab covers, and in some places widening of roads.

Under the special category, the corporation plans to take up beautification works of road junctions such as Kittur Channamma Circle along with footpath and drains.

The corporation has allocated Rs. 3.3 crores for Hubli and Rs. 1.7 crores for Dharwad, which include tender premiums of Rs. 38 lakhs and Rs. 18.9 lakhs respectively.

Out of this, construction of footpath and drains worth Rs. 1.08 crore has already been taken up in Hubli and in Dharwad works worth Rs. 64.16 lakhs have begun and some of them have been completed.

For the rest of the works, tenders have been called and the process is expected to be completed by the month-end. Immediately, the work orders will be issued and the maximum time given for the completion of works is one and half month, sources in the corporation said.

Funds

The corporation is utilising the Rs. 10.43 crores released to it after it handed over the software Technology Park complex to the State Government.

"We have chalked out the action plan keeping in mind the immediate requirements after the demolition drive and the money we got for the IT Park is being utilised here," P. Manivannan, Municipal Commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, told The Hindu .

Roads

He said the corporation has chalked out another plan for the improvement of roads and other facilities in the twin cities, which has been submitted to the State Government.

The corporation embarked on a demolition drive in three phases in June, July and August in the twin cities and cleared encroachments that had come up over the corporation property on 84 roads.

Rally for protection of lakes

Rally for protection of lakes
Newindpress.com

Sunday October 16 2005 11:31 IST
DHARWAD: In order to enlighten the people to protect the lakes and maintain them properly for water conservation, NSS units of various colleges will take out ‘Jala-Jagruti jatha’ a massive rally in Dharwad on October 16.

The rally is aimed at bringing all the people in general, environmentalists under one banner, to think over the existing conditions of few survived lakes including Kelageri lake, in Hubli-Dharwad and to explore the possible ways to protect them from being encroached and extinct.

Noted poet Dr Chennaveer Kanavi will inaugurate the rally at Dharwad railway station on Sunday.

Rally will pass through Keshvanagar, Michigan Compound, Jayanagar, Ramakrishna Ashram, Bhavikatti Plot, Rani Chennamma Nagar and culminate at Kelageri lake where a meeting of environmentalists has been organised.

P Manivannan, Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, Dr U A Attar, Registrar, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Dr P Kuttiyal, B G Mulimani, Dr Murigeppa, Dr H M Maheshwaraiah, Dr C A Somashekharappa and others from various colleges will take part in the rally, according to a press release.

Kugram-Suvarna gram scheme in 224 villages

Kugram-Suvarna gram scheme in 224 villages
Newindpress.com

Saturday October 15 2005 10:56 IST
HUBLI: Basavaraj Horatti, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, has said that about 224 villages have been selected for the implementation of ‘Kugram-Suvarna gram’ scheme in the State.

Launching the scheme at Kongawad village of Navalgund taluk here recently, he said a sum of Rs 20 lakh would be given to each village as scheme amount to improve basic facilities including roads, toilets and drinking water.

The total amount will be released within two years and Rs 5 lakh has already been released by government to selected villages, he said.

Five villages, including Agrahar, Timmasagar and Aralikatti,have been selected from Dharwad district.He said that district, village and taluk level committees would be formed to monitor the progress of works. Services of voluntary associations will also be roped.

He has sanctioned a sum of Rs 4 lakh to implement the drinking water project in Kongawad village. He also promised to release Rs 60 lakh for the construction of bridge over Handinal canal.

He sought co-operation of the villagers to extend the benefits of various schemes to the needy.

Dr R B Shiriyannavar, MLA, Navalgund spoke and assured to implement more welfare schemes for the development of villages.

K S Umapati, ZP CEO, N H Konareddi, T B Gangadharamath, Veeranna Turamari, A S Patil, M R Kulkarni and others were present.

Two-week handicraft festival

Two-week handicraft festival
Newindpress.com


Saturday October 15 2005 10:57 IST
HUBLI: Sahara Handicraft and Handloom Association has organised a two-week ‘Festival of Indian Handicraft and Handloom’ in association with All-India Dastkari Hastshilp Hastkargha Society at Hubli Sports Ground, Deshpande Nagar, from Friday.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, Sathyanarayan, general secretary, Sahara Handicraft and Handloom Association, said that National Art and Craft Shopping Festival was involved in the areas of crafts documentation, design development, training of craftsmen, upgradation of tools and technologies.

Ministry evolves novel idea to solve sanitary problems in rural areas

Ministry evolves novel idea to solve sanitary problems in rural areas
Newindpress.com


Friday October 14 2005 11:09 IST
HUBLI: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Ministry has come out with a novel idea for solving sanitary problems in rural areas in the State.

If they want to get driving licences they should construct toilets in their houses. When applying for a driving licence a certificate issued by the Secretary of the Gram Panchayat concerned certifying that the applicant has a toilet in his house should also be produced.

To prevent issue of bogus certificate by the GP Secretary, the Ministry has taken measures to scrutinise the certificates.

The Panchayat Raj Department is determined to implement this measure all over the State to make villages free from sanitary problems.

The idea was mooted out by Basavaraj Horatti, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

Sharing his views with this website’s newspaper, he said that he was unhappy with the conditions in most of the villages where toilets are a distant dream.

“All of us have developed the habit of talking about the progress of villages and providing basic facilities, but only a few of us work honestly in this regard,” he said.

He said that it was sad that most of the people particularly women still used the open areas as toilets.

Not only poor, even well to-do families were not aware of the importance of having toilets in their houses, he said.

Any legal hurdles that may come in the way of implementing the concept will be dealt with effectively by seeking suggestions of experts, he added.

Utilising his discretionary power as the District Minister of Haveri, Horatti has implemented the concept here on experimental basis from October 2.

The Deputy Commissioner and Regional Transport Officer of the district have been directed to follow the procedures properly.

RD&PR Ministry is contemplating to implement the concept all over the State in days to come.

A high level meeting of legal experts including officers from RDP, DPR, Law Department and others will be held in Bangalore on October 26 or 27.

Basel Mission at the top

Basel Mission at the top
Newindpress.com

Friday October 14 2005 11:22 IST
DHARWAD: Basel Mission English Medium High School (BMEMHS), Dharwad, with 5 points, led the points table of the super league phase of ongoing third ‘Kosmos Cup’ inter-schools cricket tournament jointly organised by Kosmos Club and Cricket Club of Karnataka (CCK) at the R N Shetty Stadium Dharwad on Thursday.

Reigning champions K E Board’s High School (KEBHS), Dharwad and runner-up Lion’s English Medium High School, Hubli were trailing at joint second spot with 3 points each.

BMEMHS defeated Lion’s EMHS by 4 wickets on Wednesday but had to share points with Rotary EMHS, Hubli on Thursday when rain abandoned their league tie.

KE Board’s HS ousted Rotary EMHS, Hubli by 33 runs on Thursday but lost to Lion’s EMHS by 46 runs.

On Friday, Lion’s EMHS will take on Rotary EMHS at 8 AM, while K E Board’s HS will play against BMEMHS, Dharwad at 12 noon.

Two top teams will qualify for the final, scheduled to be played on Sunday.

Brief scores: Lion’s EMHS 113 for 5 in 20 overs (Shishir Bhavani 45, Kunal Kolar 26) lost to BMEMHS 115 for 6 in 19.1 overs (Sandeep Majjige 34 not out, Akhail Narendra 22, Kunal Kolar 4 for 22, Imran H 2 for 8) by 4 wickets.

KEBHS 145 for 5 in 25 overs (Adrash Megeri 36, Basavaraj Shiriyannavar 20 not out, Shreyas Murdeshwar 20) bt Rotary EMHS 112 in 22.1 overs (Prateek Shadambi 24, Ajay Ostwal 22, Vidyadhar Kamble 3 for 17, Shreyas Murdeshwar 2 for 10) by 33 runs. Lion’s EMHS 134 for 6 in 25 overs (Aditya Patil 46, Shishir Bhavani 43, Vidyadhar Kamble 3 for 36, Shreyas Murdeshwar 2 for 15) KEBHS 89 for 9 in 25 overs (B R Akarsh 25, Aditya Patil 3 for 31) by 46 runs.

Wishing all the Blog readers a very HAPPY AYUDHA POOJA AND VIJAYADASHAMI

Wishing all the Blog readers a very HAPPY AYUDHA POOJA AND VIJAYADASHAMI
(Photo Courtesy: TOI,BLR)

I wish all the readers of this blog a very happy dasara and vijayadashami.On this auspiscious day where we celebrate the good over evil(kali devi) and the happiness of vijay(win)of the pandavas.

Some parts of this region also say like bani thogondu bangarandhagi ronu and also lot people think its the auspicious day to buy gold in the market.

Once again i wish all readers happy dasara.

-Pappu

Durga Puja in North Karnataka

Durga Puja in North Karnataka
The Times of India,Bangalore

In north Karnataka, Dasara is all about Durga Puja, but such celebrations are mostly confined to homes. The emphasis is on worship of Shakti. Many fashion a large Durga idol out of clay, offer puja to the idol on three days starting with Durgashtami, before immersing the idols on Vijayadashami. However, of late, the 10-day Dasara festival is slowly becoming popular in the region. In Belgaum, the tradition of organising Dasara procession on Vijayadashami day started in 1901 and has continued ever since.

In Dharwad, for the first time, a colourful Dasara procession was organised on Tuesday. Besides, some community pujas are organised in some localities. Suryavamsha Sahsarjun Kshatriya Samaj holds the most attractive features of Dasara celebration in Hubli called Tagarina Kalaga, where 100 rams fight. The losing rams are sacrificed to Devi.

IBM takes open source to Hubli

IBM takes open source to Hubli
The Times of India,Bangalore

By R Raghavendra/TNN

Bangalore: IBM CEO Sam Palmisano’s first visit to Bangalore and India in 2003, which included the signing of an MoU with the then S M Krishna government, is finally bearing fruit. Very soon, you will see students and faculty of engineering colleges in North Karnataka develop and test software for various government departments. They may also be involved in building products, which could later evolve into new business ventures.

The Karnataka government is set to replicate the success of world-renowned institutes like MIT, Harvard and Oxford with the unveiling of IBM’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the B V B College in Hubli. To be inaugurated by the chief minister, this centre is coming up along with the co-operation of the Board for IT Education Standards (Bites) and the Department of IT and BT, government of Karnataka.

“The focus would be to develop a Knowledge Management Initiative for higher technical institutions in Karnataka under the aegis of Bites. As part of this MoU, a centre of excellence in Linux and open source technologies is being set up at the B V B College,’’ Prahalad Rao, director of Bites told The Times of India.

Rao added that the CoE would also facilitate students and faculty in taking up e-Governance projects and develop low cost applications based on Open Standards for government departments in North Karnataka.

State's food production expected to touch 113 lakh tonnes this year

State's food production expected to touch 113 lakh tonnes this year
The Hindu

HUBLI: Amid the devastation caused by floods comes the good news of record food production in the State.

According to Agriculture Minister K. Srinivasa Gowda, agricultural production is expected to touch 113 lakh tonnes this year. "We are expecting a bumper foodgrain production, thanks to the copious rains," Mr. Gowda told presspersons here on Saturday.

Production hovered between 87 lakh tonnes and 91 lakh tonnes for the past couple of years, which was also marked by drought, Mr. Gowda said and added that there is no reason why the target of 113 lakhs tonnes cannot be achieved.

One consequence of the record production will be that the Government may not have to shoulder a big burden for crop insurance. The Government is preparing a market intervention scheme in case prices fall below the minimum support price, Mr. Gowda said. "We may need a revolving fund of Rs. 500 crores for market intervention as against Rs. 250 crores last year," the Minister said.

Karnataka is among the States that have been pressing for the amendment of the Central Seed Act, providing, among other things, jail sentence for those in charge of companies marketing fake seeds and not allowing such companies to market seeds for three years. Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has agreed to bring an amendment to the Act in the next session of Parliament, Mr. Gowda said.

The Centre has suggested introduction of ATMA (Agricultural Technology Marketing Agency), providing for a single-window approach to meeting the needs of the farmers for agricultural implements, such as tractors and power tillers. The agency would serve as a conduit for the transfer of technology to farmers.

Librarians asked to provide better services to students

Librarians asked to provide better services to students
Newindpress.com

Tuesday October 11 2005 13:07 IST

HUBLI: Shankranna I Munavalli, President, Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has called upon the librarians to focus on overcoming their deficiency to provide better services to the students.

He was speaking after inaugurating a workshop on ‘Computerisation of college libraries and Digital Library’ organised by Association of librarians of colleges of Karnatak University at P C Jabin College here on Sunday.

He advised the librarians to make best use of the facilities provided by the management committee to upgrade the knowledge of students and to provide them better educational services.

Speaking on the occasion, S L Sangam, Chairman, Department of Library and Information science, KUD said due to the globalisation and revolution in the progress of Information Technology, the responsibility of the librarians has increased.

By adopting the modern facilities, librarians should prepare themselves to provide valuable services to the students and the society, he added.

Explaining the importance of Digital libraries, he said facilities should be provided in all libraries, for the preservation of even small and petty matters around the world.

Principal Dr D M Kotturshettar spoke.

Mahesh D Horakeri, President, Karnatak State College librarians Association, presided over the function.

Services at doorstep: Police Commissioner

Services at doorstep: Police Commissioner
Newindpress.com

Tuesday October 11 2005 13:04 IST

HUBLI: Narayan Nadamani, Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner said that steps were taken to provide service of the Police Department at the doorstep of common man.

He was speaking after inaugural ceremony of the renovated building of Ashoknagar’s police check-post organised by Lions club of Hubli Parivar here recently.

He said hitherto women need not to approach the Police Stations with regard to inquiries in connection with passports and other petty matters as arrangements were being made to discuss such matters at their (women) residences in presence of the inmates of their house.

Seeking the support of the people to establish peace and harmony in the city, he assured to put in sincere efforts to make the city free from all tensions and to restore peace and harmony in society.

M S Srikar, Deputy Commissioner expressed his happiness over the renovation of the police check-post of Ashoknagar and said that the Police Department should provide more satisfactory service in this part.

P Manivannan, Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation said that all possible measures were being taken for the beautification of the twin cities.

As part of it, all roads in the city will be upgraded and repaired soon.

He opined that both bureaucrats and public should work in tandem to bring in changes and developments in the city.

Former M P Professor I G Sanadi, former Mayor Anilkumar Patil, Tejprakash Mahajan, president Lions club, M S Patil, Madan Desai, Mahendra Singhi and others were present on the occasion.

HDMC to provide basic facilities for IT companies

HDMC to provide basic facilities for IT companies
The Hindu

Sunday October 9 2005 12:32 IST

DHARWAD: P Manivannan, Commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has promised to provide all necessary basic facilities to IT companies in Hubli-Dharwad.

He was speaking at an interactive session organised by the department of political sciences, Karnataka University, Dharwad here recently.

He said if any IT company came forward to set up their units and to start their business in Hubli-Dharwad, steps would be taken to provide all necessary facilities to them.

He said though the students of North Karnataka were intelligent, they had been deprived of higher posts due to lack of knowledge of English.

He advised the students to put in sincere efforts to learn English along with their mother tongue.

Explaining of problems faced by the corporation to remove unauthorised structures and construction during the anti-encroachment drive, he said corruption had become detrimental to the development of society.

He said it was duty of every citizen to fight against the corruption to provide clean and honest administration to the people.

Hubli can become hub of jewellery export, says Srikar

Hubli can become hub of jewellery export, says Srikar
The Hindu

HUBLI: Deputy Commissioner M.S. Srikar has said that Hubli has the potential to become the hub of jewellery export if efforts are made to take the benefit of the geographical advantage it has.

He was speaking at the valedictory function of the "Gems and diamonds grading and identification courses" organised by the Export Promotion Council of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday.

Karwar, which is a major centre of jewellery manufacturing, is close to Hubli, he said.

Jewellery manufactured in Karwar is being exported either through Mumbai or Bangalore. Hubli should tap this potential, Mr. Srikar said.

Ruben Hobday, Regional Director of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of Chennai, said the council will organise more programmes in north Karnataka to promote jewellery export.

K.K. Sharma, Executive Director of the Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) of Surat, said the institute will conduct the course again in January along with an awareness programme on "Gold hallmarking."

Shankaranna Munavalli, President of the KCCI, welcomed the gathering. Kumar Tiwari, Manager of the council, compered.

Mahendra Ladhad, Honorary Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

During the programme, a suggestion on setting up a gems and diamond testing laboratory at the council of the KCCI came from the dignitaries.

Office-bearers of the KCCI responded favourably stating that they will submit a proposal in this regard to the Government and make efforts to set up the laboratory with the help of jewellers from north Karnataka and the IDI.

Mr. Sharma and Mr. Srikar said that they will take steps in this regard.

HESCOM counters to be open

HESCOM counters to be open
The Hindu


HUBLI: Hubli Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM) has made special arrangement for payment of electricity bills on Saturday and Sunday, according to a press note issued here.

Counters for receiving payments will be open at its office at Tabib Land, Sub-divisional Office near New English School, Old Hubli, Vishveshwar Nagar, and Keshwapur branch offices and Navangar branches of Hubli West Subdivision, the press note said.

Consumers have been requested to avail themselves of the arrangement.

NGO to fund poor students

NGO to fund poor students
Business Standard

Our Correspondent / Dharwad October 07, 2005

Dharwad-based Vidya Poshak, an NGO built with large number of volunteers is working for empowerment of student community. It is extending financial assistance to poor and meritorious students, who are unable to continue their higher education due to financial difficulties. Till date Vidya Poshak has assisted more than 2,000 students to the tune of Rs 70 lakh.

Vidya Poshak secretary R N Tikot said for 2005-06, the NGO has teamed up with Prerana of Raichur to provide financial assistance to over 100 students to take up professional courses like engineering, medical, etc, who are unable to continue their higher education due to financial difficulties.

More than 1,000 students have already been given financial assistance under non-professional category for 2005-06.

Dust posing a threat to citizens

Dust posing a threat to citizens
Newindpress.com

Friday October 7 2005 10:58 IST

HUBLI: The fear of becoming victims of asthma and other respiratory-related disease is haunting the people of Hubli-Dharwad.

Twin cities have become prone to all such due to dust.

Number of cases with symptoms of dust-related allergies are on the rise in all most all private and government hospitals for the past few weeks.

When the corporation had launched anti-encroachment drive all stood by the corporation.

But now they are venting their ire over the corporation for not taking any measures to make the people free from the dust problem.

Rains that lashed the city continuously for more than two weeks have contributed a lot in defacing most of the roads.

Many of the roads which had been asphalted and repaired were damaged overnight after the heavy rains exposing the low quality works executed by the authorities concerned.

As a result of bad roads and uncleared debris of demolished constructions, city wearing a look of ‘dust bowl’ a place where topsoil is blown away by dust storms during drought.

Most of the roads are littered with potholes. Many roads are covered under thick dry dust.

When vehicles pass on such roads dust hovers all over the area causing dust allergies to people.

People cover their faces with napkins to protect themselves from dust allergies while move on these roads.

Because of the dust people become vulnerable to asthma and other diseases.

People are daubed with dust when they pass through KC circle, Basava van, old bus terminus road, station road, Durgad Bail road, CBT, Gouli Galli, Gokul Road etc in Hubli and Azad upavan road, Vijay road, Saundatti road, Regal circle and other roads in Dharwad.

If authorities concerned failed to find a solution to the problem, people will get afflicted with respiratory related diseases.

Rise in asthma, allergies in Hubli City alarming

Rise in asthma, allergies in Hubli City alarming
Newindpress.com

Friday October 7 2005 11:13 IST

HUBLI: The fear of asthma, respiratory-related ailments and other allergies is haunting the people of the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad, which are a haven for its spread due to the dust everywhere.

The number of cases with symptoms of dust-related allergies are increasing in almost all private and government hospitals.

When the Corporation launched an anti-encroachment drive to remove encroached properties, the people stood by the HDMC.

Now, they are venting their ire at the authorities for not taking any measures to clean the city.

Incessant rains that lashed the city for more than two weeks has compounded the problem.

Many city roads which had been asphalted and repaired, were ruined overnight, exposing the inferior work executed.

As a result of uncleared debris of demolished constructions, the city looks like it has been ravaged by dust storms.

Most roads are littered with potholes, and now covered with thick layers of dust. The sight of people masking their faces is common.

AIC team to settle insurance claims

AIC team to settle insurance claims
The Hindu

DHARWAD: Agricultural Insurance Corporation (AIC) has agreed to send a team of officials to the district to settle pending insurance claims of farmers in Dharwad district pertaining to 2003-04.

The team is expected to coordinate with branch managers to finalise the list of claimants and sort out problems, including cases of missing names of those who had paid the premium, the delay in the payment of insurance and other issues on the spot.

This was decided at a meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner M.S. Srikar here on Tuesday in which AIC nominees, representatives of banks, elected representatives, farmers' representatives and officials participated.

Mr. Srikar said that since nothing has come of the efforts in this regard so far, it was decided to request the AIC to depute a team to the district, for which the corporation has agreed. AIC had given a new format to furnish information and bank managers had requested for some time to comply with the same. "We will sort out the problem by the end of this month," Mr. Srikar said.

Mr. Srikar said there appears to be some differences in the list prepared by banks and of the AIC. While some cases have been cleared through correspondence, the bulk of the problem remains to be solved.

The Joint Director of Agriculture, Dharwad, has been named as nodal officer to coordinate the efforts, Mr. Srikar said.

Metered water billing in Hubli-Dharwad

Metered water billing in Hubli-Dharwad
The Times of India

Hubli: Come January, drinking water supply in Hubli-Dharwad will be metered except at tail-end localities where the pressure is very low at present. Here the consumers will continue to be billed at the prevailing flat rate.

Now that water is supplied once in three days in most areas of the twin cities, the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWS&DB) has launched a campaign for installation of water meters.

KUWS&DB chief engineer for north Karnataka M Ravindra Bhat told The Times of India there was enough storage in the Malaprabha and Neerasagar reservoirs to sustain the present water distribution cycle past the next monsoon.

The metered water supply would be billed at the rate of Rs 5.80 per 1,000 litres for domestic, Rs 10.60 per 1,000 litres for non-domestic and Rs 23.20 per 1,000 litres for commercial connections.

Cricket tourney to begin on Wednesday

Cricket tourney to begin on Wednesday
Newindpress.com


DHARWAD: The third ‘Kosmos Cup’ inter-schools cricket tournament will commences under the joint auspices of Kosmos Club and Cricket Club of Karnataka (CCK) at the R N Shetty Stadium Dharwad from Wednesday.

In all 10 teams of the twin-cities including the reigning champions K E Board’s High School, Malmaddi, Dharwad and runner-up Lion’s English Medium High School, Hubli are participating in this tournament which is recognised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Bangalore.

The tournament will be played on the knock-out basis till the semi finals and the four top teams will fight in the super-league starting on October 12. Final, which will be of 45 overs-a-side is scheduled on October 16.

Players of both the winners and the runner-up teams will receive individual prizes apart from the special prizes for the most outstanding individual performances in the tournament.

Umpires of the Hubli-Dharwad Cricket Umpires Association (HDCUA) will officiate all the matches.

V D Kamaraddi, the president of the Kosmos Club, will inaugurate the tournament at 10 am on Wednesday, while P H Neeralakeri, president of CCK will be the guest of honour.

Pavan English Medium High School, Dharwad will take on St Michael’s High School, Hubli in the inaugural fixture.

Dharwad institute gets EU project

Dharwad institute gets EU project
Business Standard

Our Correspondent / Dharwad October 04, 2005

The Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Research (CMDR), Dharwad has been awarded a project by the European Union titled ‘Developing Health Accounts in Selected Indian States under Small Project Facility Programme’. Maharashtra (developed state), Karnataka (medium developed state) and Orissa (underdeveloped state) are the states selected for the study.

CMDR honorary director and economist P R Panchamukhi told reporters here on Monday that India had adopted ‘Health for All by the Year 2000 AD’. But, he said, there was a long way to go. Targets have been set as Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by 2015.

These goals have been reiterated in the National Health Policy of 2002 that has been adopted by the Parliament. The country has been spending significant amounts towards health and medical care services, but there is still a large demand - supply gap. There is a virtual absence of low-cost risk-pooling mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable groups, Panchamukhi explained.

There is a growing realisation among administrators and researchers that a major cause of implementation slippages of the policy proclamations relate as much to the problem of non-availability of useful data as to the non-use of available data on health sector. In such a context, health sector accounting is visualised as a tool for efficient governance.

By facilitating greater transparency in the flow of resources from sources to uses, health sector accounts enable health sector managers to get a clear idea on the incidence and impacts of targetted policy interventions.

However, health accounting is still in its infancy in India. In comparison, many EU nations have well-established systems for generating health sector accounts and linking them with institutionalised processes of policy formulation. The utilisation of available EU expertise in this area for developing health accounts in the chosen states is a core component of the proposed action.

The Centre has gained some experience in health accounts in reproductive health. This will give a good mileage in field of health accounts.

Recently, the centre undertook a study in the field of reproductive health accounts sponsored by the Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI).

The basic aim of the proposed action is to develop Reproductive Health Accounts (RHA) for Karnataka, using the National Health Accounts (NHA) framework.

Overall objectives were to develop methodologically robust state-level health accounts as a policy tool for better health sector governance in India, with critical inputs from EU expertise and experience and to contribute to the institutionalisation of health accounts in three Indian states (i.e., Maharashtra, Karnataka and Orissa) through insights developed from the EU experience in this regard and through pilot capacity building exercises.

Action components include the study of the experiences of EU countries about the development and use of health accounts as a tool for effective health sector governance and deriving insights applicable to the Indian context. Panchamukhi said the CMDR will use EU expertise in developing the health sector flow of funds accounts for the three states.

The other components are to learn from EU experience in institutionalising the health accounts system as a policy tool and in developing a Common Comparable Framework for health systems and to train 50 health sector stakeholders in the study states through structured capacity building modules to be developed under the project.

He informed that the Health Accounts Cell of CMDR, being set up, will take up the responsibility for replication of the process for other major states of India. Since the end output will be widely disseminated among practitioners of health accounting, there is a strong possibility that the action will provide the base material for trying out extensions relevant in the Indian context

The proposed action seeks to fill the void in systematic attempts towards developing health accounts at the sub-national level in India. Since the National Health Policy has the goal of achieving institutionalisation of health accounts by 2005, the proposed action is consistent with the national priorities relating to health sector improvement, Panchamukhi explained.

Since the study intends to develop the health accounts for the selected states with internationally accepted standards, it is expected to act as a base for its replication in other states and for the country as a whole.

Since replication of health accounts will require some degree of institutionalisation with government support, it is proposed to include key decision makers from the Ministry of Health, Government of India, and the Central Statistical Organisation (the nodal agency in the country for developing statistical data bases) in the Stakeholders’ Steering Committee of the proposed action.

Vigilance director of health (Lok Ayukta) Dr H Sudarshan will be the chief guest at the project launching ceremony on Wednesday at 11.30 AM at CMDR seminar hall.

Sanitation scheme for Dharwad district launched

Sanitation scheme for Dharwad district launched
The Hindu

DHARWAD: Minister for Municipal Administration S.R. Morey on Sunday launched a State-level total sanitation programme at Karadigudda of Dharwad taluk to mark Gandhi Jayanti.

Mr. Morey said the scheme will help put an end to farmers going to open field to answer the nature's call.

For Dharwad District, Rs. 6.32 crores had been sanctioned for the four-year programme. Dharwad Rural MLA (Congress) Vinay Kulkarni, Janata Dal (United) MLC Basavaraj Bommai, and Dharwad Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K. Umapati spoke.

Various organisations and associations celebrated Gandhi Jayanti in Hubli and Dharwad.

Mayor Hanumanthappa Betageri paid tributes to the Mahatma at his statue in front of the Karntaka Institute of Medical Sciences.

Deputy Mayor Santhosh Hirekerur paid tributes at the Azad Park in Dharwad.

Elocution, essay writing and painting competitions, and blood donation camps were held as part of the celebration.

Chamber identifies site for exhibition

Chamber identifies site for exhibition
The Hindu

Chamber's demands

• A dedicated Agri-Export Zone in Hubli-Dharwad
• Special Economic Zone in the twin cities
• Setting up of `Automobile Park'
• Improvement of arterial road network

HUBLI: The Karnatak Chamber of Commerce has identified three locations for setting up a permanent industrial exhibition centre in Hubli-Dharwad on the lines of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Chamber president Shankaranna Munavalli, who has been unanimously re-elected to the post, told presspersons on Sunday that the chamber will take up the issue of delay in executing the Hubli-Ankola railway project, Gadag-Bijapur broad gauge conversion work, joining of the Mahadayi and the Malaprabha and other issues related to the region. The chamber has listed 18 demands with respect to the development of North Karnataka, which it will be pursuing with the Government, MLAs and MLCs of the region, he said.

Food park

A dedicated Agri-Export Zone in Hubli-Dharwad, developing "Agro Food Technology Park" in Hubli-Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Belgaum on a hub-and-spoke model, upgrading the State highways and high density traffic corridors in North Karnataka, improving arterial road network, development of Kadadi and Karwar ports, upgrading Hubli and Belgaum airports, establishing an exclusive Special Economic Zone in Hubli-Dharwad and other districts of North Karnataka are some of the issues that the chamber will take up, Mr. Munavalli said. The chamber has started correspondence with Tata group, Kalyani group and Bajaj group to set up an "Automobile Park" in Hubli-Dharwad.

Mr. Munavalli said the chamber will hold talks with the Goa Chamber of Commerce regarding the issue of joining the Mahadayi with the Malaprabha and is thinking of taking a delegation to Goa to meet the Chief Minister after discussing the issue with the Karnataka Government. He said efforts are on to start a one-year diploma course in Business Management at the chamber in association with Karnatak University.

CM rules out reshuffle of ministry

CM rules out reshuffle of ministry
Newindpress.com


DHARWAD: Chief Minister Dharam Singh has ruled out dropping or changing of any of ministers from the state cabinet. Speaking to reporters before attending the Krishi mela at KUD helipad here on Sunday, the Chief Minister said all the performance of all the ministers was satisfactory, thus there was no question of dropping or changing any ministers.

He said, ‘‘There has been no opposition from anyone in the state Congress against my leadership. But there is a demand that youths be given an opportunity in the party.’’

He clarifed that the Congress leaders who had submitted a memorandum separately to the AICC general secretary and incharge of state A K Antony, had discussed those matters well in adavance with them. It was true that some leaders led by former ministers R L Jalappa and Kumar Bangarappa had submitted memorandums to A K Antony during his recent visit to the state. ‘‘Before submitting it, they have brought that memorandum to the notice of me and the KPCC president,’’ he said.

When asked about the party’s stand on the Congress leaders participating in Ahind conventions, he said the issue had been discussed with party’s incharge A K Antony. KPCC president Mallikarjun Kharge had also been given direction by A K Antony to take further steps in this regard, he said. He said the issue of Cabinet expansion was also brought to the notice of A K Antony and steps would be taken for Cabinet expansion shortly.

Deputy chief minister M P Prakash, Ministers S R Morey, K Srinivasgouda were present at the press conference.

‘Invent methods to cultivate with less water’

‘Invent methods to cultivate with less water’
Newindpress.com

DHARWAD: Agricultural Minister K Srinivasgouda has said that scientists and agricultural universities should concentrate on inventing new methods to reap good benefits in agriculture by utilising less quantity of water.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony of four-day Krishi mela at University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad here on Sunday, he said the need of the hour was that we should focus on growing crops by utilising less water.

He stressed the need for carrying out agricultural activities on scientific way by utilising latest innovations in science and technology and modern equipments.

He said while developing Information Technology and biotechnology, equal importance and focus should be given for the development of agricultural sector.

Scientists should think over growing crops and helping farmers to get good produce utilising less water, he added.

He appealed to the Chief Minister on the dais to take measures to start the think-tank committee of the experts and scientists to help the farmers in carry out their agricultural activities.

Speaking on the occasion, H K Patil, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that agricultural colleges should be opened in each district to utilise the service provided by University of Agricultural Sciences.

He asked the government to start chemical residue test laboratory and farmers hostel on the premises UAS.

Participating in the function, M P Prakash, Deputy Chief Minister attributed the achievement of the India in becoming self-reliant in food production to the hard efforts of farmers and the scientists.

S R Morey, District Minister, Dr S A Patil, Vice Chancellor, UAS, Pontiff Dr Sharanbasappa Appa, MLA Vinay Kulkarni, A M Hindasgeri, MLC Basavaraj Bommai and others were present.

CM announces think-tank for farmers

CM announces think-tank for farmers
Newindpress.com

DHARWAD: Chief Minister Dharam Singh has announced that steps will be taken to start ‘think-tank’ for the benefit of farmers in state.

He was speaking after inaugurating the concluding ceremony of four-day Krishi mela organised by University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad at its premises here on Sunday.

He said in order to provide proper guidance and information about the developments in agriculture sector at national and international level, think-tank consisting of scientists, thinkers and intellectuals would be started soon in the state.

He said the members of the think-tank will guide the farmers to carry out their agricultural activities in right direction to reap good profit and to enable them to overcome their problems. He promised to release Rs 15 crore to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad to take up various research works and other agricultural activities in the interest of the farmers.

Lauding the UAS for its services, he said to improve the food production, more research on new crop pattern and breeds should be conducted at national and international level.

For conducting such research and other academic activities, state government would provide all necessary facilities to the UAS in future, he said.

Listing out the achievements of the state government and schemes launched for the farmers in state, he said that for the fist time in the state’s history, steps were taken to provide agricultural loan to the farmers at 6 per cent interest through cooperative societies and other cooperative institutions.

In the last 16 months, crop insurance of Rs 270 crore had been released to the farmers by the government, he said.

He said Rs 52 crore had been provided to give subsidy in the form of short term and mid term loan to the farmers, besides, to give special impetus for the development of agricultural sector, Rs 873 crore was kept in the budget.

He said lot of innovative programmes and schemes were implemented with an intention to solve the problems of farming community.

‘‘Our coalition government is the result-oriented government,’’ he added.

CM to participate in Krishi mela

CM to participate in Krishi mela
Newindpress.com


DHARWAD: Chief Minister Dharam Singh will visit Dharwad to participate in the concluding ceremony of the four-day Krishi mela organised by University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad on Sunday, October 2.

The mela was drawing huge crowd since its inauguration. Thousands of people including farmers, students from different parts of the districts and other neighbouring districts and states were visiting to mela.

About 400 stalls had been put up in the mela by various seeds, fertilisers, automobile companies to display their products and to provide information to the visiting farmers.

Innovative machines invented by the scientists to carry out agricultural activities in systematic way to earn good profit, good quality seeds of various crops, fertilisers and other important equipments and goods required for the farmers were on display in the mela.

According to sources from University of Agricultural Sciences, lakhs of people had visited the mela and took the best advantage of mela.

Apart from collecting information from the various shops, many of the farmers purchased plants, equipments, seeds, fertilisers, and other materials from the mela, sources said.

Four-day mela will conclude on Sunday. The Chief Minister will inaugurate the concluding ceremony.

Large number of people is expected to visit the mela during the last day from various districts.

Work on extension of terminal at airport begins

Work on extension of terminal at airport begins
The Hindu

Air Deccan asked to start operations to Mumbai

HUBLI: The extension work on the terminal at the Hubli Airport at a cost of Rs. 60.85 lakhs has begun with the Airports Authority of India granting permission for the work.

Deputy Commissioner M.S. Srikar disclosed this at a meting of the Hubli Airport Development Coordination Committee recently.

The airport houses a terminal of 416 sq. metres and the work for extending the terminal by another 312 sq. metres is under way. The work will include entrance and exit wings, transport belt, snacks bar and special facilities for differently-abled persons, B.G. Patil, Chief Civil Engineer of the Airports Authority, said.

Mr. Patil said the Airports Authority of India has taken steps for the improvement and strengthening of the runway. A tender for Rs. 6.93 crores has already been finalised and work will commence shortly, he said.

Mr. Srikar directed the revenue officer to mark the boundaries of the airport which is spread out in an area of 369 acres.

Replying to a question from U.G. Mukashi, member of the committee, airport manager K.R. Rajesh said that night landing facility has been made available at the airport. In view of the night landing facility, the meeting decided to ask representatives of Air Deccan and other aviation companies to apply for permission for flight operations at night in Hubli.

The Deputy Commissioner asked Air Deccan officials to start flight operations between Hubli and Mumbai at the earliest. B.R. Ravikantegowda, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), said local police required systematic training with respect to security. The meeting decided to request the organisation concerned to give five-day training to the police.

P. Manivannan, Commissioner, HDMC; D.R. Kerur, Chief Engineer, HESCOM; members of the committee, Shankaranna Munavalli, Vasanth Ladwa and senior officials were present.

Dharwad Telecom District to set up 54 GSM towers

Dharwad Telecom District to set up 54 GSM towers
The Hindu

• Broadband service to be launched in 19 towns
• New OCB exchange to come up in Gadag
• CDMA station being installed at Dharwad
• Telecom district earns profit of Rs. 12.24 crores

HUBLI: Dharwad Telecom District of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited will commission an additional 54 GSM towers by the end of November to improve coverage.

Addressing presspersons on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of BSNL here on Saturday, D.S. Narendra, General Manager, Dharwad Telecom District, said of these towers, 13 will be in situated Hubli, seven in Dharwad and two each in Gadag, Haveri and Ranebennur.

The remaining will cover new towns and hoblis. The BSNL has already launched the Broadband (DataOne) service in Hubli-Dharwad and is planning to launch the service in another 19 towns in the telecom district, he said.

Mr. Narendra said that a new OCB Exchange with state-of-the-art technology is being installed at Gadag at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crores. And also a Modern Customer Service Centre is being set up at Gadag.

He said that a new software package called "Dot Soft" is being installed at Hubli at a cost of Rs. 3.25 crores. The software will enable fully integrated customer management, online telephone registration, online bill payment in 40 customer service centres and other related services, Mr. Narendra said.

In order the increase the CDMA network in north Karnataka, a CDMA station with 1 lakh lines capacity is being installed at Dharwad at a cost of Rs. 15 crores. When completed, the facility will improve the Wireless in local loop services in the telecom district. Apart from this, 11 towers are being installed throughout the district to provide better coverage in the rural areas, he said.

Mr. Narendra said that it has been decided to replace old telephone instruments of more than five years with new ones in case of customers with a monthly bill of Rs. 500 or more. He clarified that the facility will be extended to other customers in the next stage.

He said that steps are being taken to make the Pre-Paid (Excel) SIM cards available on demand. The customers have to register their names by paying Rs. 551 and based on the seniority list they will be provided the SIM card most probably within a week, he said.

Profit

The Telecom District, which comprises Dharwad, Haveri and Gadag district, has earned a profit of Rs. 12.24 crores in the financial year 2004-05, Mr. Narendra said. He said that steps have been taken to clear the rural waiting list.

S.A. Melmalagi, Deputy General Manager, informed about the steps taken to bridge the gap in the network coverage along the State Highways coming under the telecom district.

Rs. 55 crores for infrastructure

Rs. 55 crores for infrastructure
The Hindu

HUBLI: The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has chalked out a Rs. 55-crore plan for infrastructure development in the twin cities, P. Manivannan, Commissioner of the HDMC, said here on Thursday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the "Gems and diamonds grading and identification course' organised under the auspices of the Export Promotion Cell of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI); Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Chennai, and the Indian Diamond Institute, Surat, Mr. Manivannan said as part of the plan, the HDMC can mobilise Rs. 20 crores. The Government's support is needed to raise the rest. He urged the KCCI and other organisations of the region to impress upon the Government for funds. The commissioner said 74 roads in the twin cities will be developed by March next.

Dayanidhi, Executive of the Jewellery Export Promotion Council, spoke about the course. Presiding over the function, Shankaranna Munavalli, President of the KCCI, said the chamber has taken up the task of giving sector-specific services, and the course has been organised for the benefit of jewellers.

Consultant to monitor roadworks in twin cities

Consultant to monitor roadworks in twin cities
The Hindu

HUBLI: Residents of Hubli and Dharwad may now look forward to better roads in the coming months as there will be a separate agency to ensure and monitor the quality of work.

The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) on Friday approved a proposal to employ STUP Consultants of Bangalore for supervising, testing, sampling and certification of roadwork in the twin cities, which is underway at a cost of Rs. 30 crores. At a meeting here, the corporation decided to award the contract worth Rs. 54 lakhs to STUP Consultants.

Tenders

The corporation had called for tenders for development of roads at a cost of Rs. 30 crores. The project is divided into four packages. The Chandragiri Construction Company commenced work under the first package some time ago. But soon there were complaints regarding the quality of the work by some members of the HDMC council.

Since one of the conditions in the contract agreement is that the work will be supervised by a third party, the commissioner had asked the construction company to temporarily suspend the work until the services of a consultant are employed.

Delay

But the appointment of a consultant got delayed because of higher rates quoted by the consultants in response to the tenders called by the corporation. The issue was then referred to the City Planning and Development Standing Committee for holding negotiations with STUP Consultants.

The committee recommended to the council that the tender may be allotted to Stup Consultants at 1.8 per cent above the estimated rates.

Now with the council approving the tender the suspended the work under the first package is expected to be resumed shortly. Meanwhile, the corporation has finalised the other three packages of after negotiation and the State Government has given its approval to them.

Heated debate

The meeting that began in the morning could not take up issues on the agenda till 4.30 p.m. as there was a heated discussion on the move to increase water cess.

The issue of raising the water cess from a minimum of Rs. 45 to Rs. 90, which has been approved, was again raised in the meeting through a call attention motion by Ashok Jadhav, BJP councillor.

The debate continued for most part of the day. But there was no progress on the issue as the commissioner announced that there will be no going back on the decision. Finally, the Mayor announced that the motion has been dropped.

HDMC plans to develop infrastructure

HDMC plans to develop infrastructure
Newindpress.com

HUBLI: Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has devised a plan for the infrastructure development in Hubli-Dharwad on the lines of Bangalore city at a cost of Rs 55 crore, said P Manivannan, Commissioner, HDMC.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Gems and diamonds grading and Identification course’ organised by Export Promotion Cell, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at its premises here on Friday.

He said out of Rs 55 crore, HDMC could meet Rs 20 crore only and he appealed to the chamber to prevail upon the government for more funds.

A total of 74 roads would be developed before March 31, 2006, he said adding that people would definitely find some visible changes in the city infrastructure before March.

He mentioned that Rs 10.5 crore received from the government recently would be used for infrastructure development and appreciated the chamber for organising such rare programme on gems and diamonds grading in city.

Speaking on the occasion Shankaranna Munavalli, KCCI President said these courses were organised for the benefit of jewellers of North Karnataka and expected that the participants would be benefited by these courses.

The details of the programme were explained by Dayanidhi, executive jewellery export promotion council.

Hitesh Verma, S K Shukla, Anju Mahawar, executive from Indian diamonds Institute, Surat and others are participating in the course