'Give IT firms what they want'

'Give IT firms what they want'
The Times of India

[27 Jul,2006 0026hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
HUBLI: In a bid to arrest the brewing controversy over the allotment of land to the IT sector, ignited by opposition leader H K Patil, a high-level meeting on Wednesday decided not to make any move that will deter the interest of IT entrepreneurs from investing in Hubli-Dharwad.

"We are definitely not against the law university. Like IT, we do understand that the university will also play a big role in the growth of Hubli-Dharwad. But let us not make it an issue and spoil the broth, revenue minister Jagadish Shettar said. Presiding over a development review meeting here, Shettar directed Dharwad DC M S Srikar and HDMC commissioner P Manivannan to identify separate and suitable land for the proposed law university.

"Make sure that the land is vast and in the vicinity of the twin-cities, he told them. Primary education minister Basavaraj Horatti also endorsed this decision, though he initially supported the views of H K Patil that the 44 acres of land identified at Rayapur and surrounding areas should be reserved for the law university.

"I have no objection if the law university is given appropriate land, he asserted, when told that the land at Rayapur is inadequate. Dharwad North MP Prahlad Joshi and JD(U) MLC Basavaraj Bommai earlier told the meeting that the controversy raised by H K Patil is unnecessary, since a university would require land not less that 100 acres.

"I am definitely not against IT companies. Their coming here will definitely boost business and economic prospects of the twin-cities and help enhance purchasing power of the people, Bommai explained. Citing the example of VTU in Belgaum, the MP said the new VTU campus in Belgaum is nearly 120 acres. But the proposed land at Rayapur is just about 44 acres, besides, it is dotted with some residential layouts, he said. Considering this, Joshi and Bommai suggested that the campus be identified on Airport Road or anywhere between Hubli and Dharwad. MLC Veeranna Mathikatti also expressed similar views.

Shoot-at-sight orders against pigs again

Shoot-at-sight orders against pigs again
The Times of India
[27 Jul,2006 0027hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HUBLI: After a gap of more than three years, the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation will recommence its drive against stray pigs, in an attempt to remove that infamous tag of 'Pig City'.

Stray pigs were ordered to be shot at sight at a high level meeting held under district in-charge minister Jagadish Shettar on Wednesday.

Sharpshooters attached to the police department will shoot down pigs if their owners fail to shift after a given deadline.

The police will soon issue a notification clearly identifying the area where the exercise is to be undertaken.

Interestingly, the issue was discussed following a complaint from Minister Basavaraj Horatti on the pig menace near his house.

Earlier, Manivannan said the corporation does not have permission to shoot the animals, as clearance has to come from the city police.

However, he said the police were reluctant due to some untoward incidents in 2004. The drive had also been stalled due to shortage of bullets.

There was also some difficulty in bringing in pig-catchers. Police commissioner Narayan Nadamani said the police were worried about the safety of residents.

"We are apprehensive because during the last drive a bullet accidentally hit a schoolboy. If you still feel such a move is inevitable, I can arrange it with suitable precautions.