BENGALURU: The much-awaited eastern extension line of Bengaluru Metro, from Whitefield Kadugodi to KR Puram, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. With the addition of this 13.71-km stretch with 12 stations, Bengaluru Metro has 69.66 km connectivity with 63 stations, making it the second largest network in the country after Delhi Metro.

The Rs 4,249-crore project will reduce the travel time between Whitefield and KR Puram to 22 minutes and is expected to have an incremental ridership of 1.5 lakh. Metro security personnel had a tough time persuading the passengers, who arrived at the station in large numbers to travel on this route, to come on Sunday when the line will be open to the public.

When work on the crucial stretch of 2.1 km from K R Puram to Baiyappanahalli is completed by mid-year, it is likely to benefit over 5 lakh Bengalureans working in IT Parks, malls, hospitals and Fortune 500 companies.

Modi also inaugurated the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), which allows people to use multiple modes of transport across the country and make purchases.

After a quick stroll through the station where installations depicting the history of BMRCL, underground tunnelling work and other landmark events were displayed, Modi went to the ticket counter and collected his NCMC card.

It was a moment of joy for Metro staffer Bharati S Iyer, who handed the NCMC card to Modi. The PM produced it at the Automatic Fare Collection gate at Kadugodi station before boarding the train at 1.17 pm from Platform 1 to Sri Sathya Sai Hospital station 4 km away.

It was a trip to cherish for seven class IX and X students of government schools in the vicinity. They were on Coach 2 with the PM who eagerly interacted with them. Modi also interacted with contract workers who built the line, BMRCL women engineers, train operators and other Metro staffers. Train operator P Priyanka piloted the train with nearly 175 passengers, including VIPs Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

DAVANGERE: Two civic workers who were cleaning a drainage at Basavanakote village in Jagaluru taluk on Tuesday fell ill and died at Chigateri district hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, Dundappa (45) and Nagappa (42) from Basavanakote village died due to suffocation. Shashidhar Patil, panchayat development officer of Basavanakote village, asked Dundappa and Nagappa to clean the clogged drainage without giving them any safety gear. This resulted in the workers inhaling toxic gas emanating from the drainage. They were immediately shifted to Arsikere PHC after they complained of uneasiness. They were given first aid at Arsikere and taken to Chigateri district hospital where they died.

Both were sole breadwinners.

Meanwhile, the executive officer of Jagaluru taluk panchayat Chandrashekhar said Dundappa and Nagappa fell ill while they were cleaning the drainage. Further investigations are on, he added.

M Shivanna Kote, Chairperson, of the Safai Karamchari Commission, said, “I have sought a report from the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and the ZP CEO on the reasons for the death of two workers.”

“We will conduct an inquiry and action will be initiated accordingly.  The official, who had given the work order should be arrested immediately,” he said.

Adequate precautions should have been taken before asking the workers to get into the manhole. The workers got into the 4-foot manhole without any safety gear. This resulted in their death. “I will visit the family members of Dundappa and Nagappa on Thursday and ensure that all benefits are extended to them,” Shivanna said. Bilichodu police have registered a complaint.

BELAGAVI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday called on party leaders in poll-bound Karnataka to fight the BJP in a united manner as he exuded confidence about “sweeping” the upcoming assembly elections.

The party also wooed the youth with promises of unemployment allowance — its fourth poll ‘guarantee’ — and filling up of vacancies in government jobs, in the event of the party coming to power in the State, where Assembly elections are due by May.

While thanking people of Karnataka for supporting his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and making it successful, Gandhi took a dig at the BJP-led government at the Centre. “The Yatra sent out a message that this country belongs to everyone, not just to select two to three, not Adaniji’s (industrialist Gautam Adani). This country belongs to farmers, labourers, the poor and youth,” the Wayanad MP said.

They want a government that will work for poor, downtrodden, middle class, small traders,” Gandhi said.

Taking into account the message of the youth that they are not getting jobs, the Congress has decided to give Rs 3,000 per month to every graduate, and Rs 1,500 per month to every diploma holder, for two years as unemployment allowance, he said. “We understand your (youth) problem and BJP is not giving you jobs.” He said the Congress government in the state will provide jobs to 10 lakh youth in five years, and assured that 2.5 lakh government vacancies will be filled up.

Addressing the youth convention ‘Yuva Kranti Samavesha’ organised by the party’s state unit here, he said, “We will defeat BJP together and make Congress win with a huge majority.” His message of unity to party leaders and workers, ahead of ticket distribution, gains significance amid speculation that disgruntlement may surface within the party following the selection of candidates.

Also, there is already a game of one-upmanship between top leaders for the Chief Minister post in the event of it coming to power.

This was the former AICC President’s first visit to poll-bound Karnataka, months after the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, led by him, marched its way through parts of the state.

Noting that during the yatra, he got two to three clear messages from the people of Karnataka, Gandhi said the youth told him that the state government has failed in providing jobs.

The party has already announced three poll ‘guarantees’ — 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), and 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), on coming to power.

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the party’s state unit chief D K Shivakumar, Legislature Party leader and Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah among several leaders were part of the mega rally.

Highlighting the major message he got from the people of the state during the Yatra that the incumbent Karnataka administration is the “most corrupt government in the country” with a “40 per cent commission” sought in public works, Gandhi said the letters written by the contractors’ association and school managements’ association to Prime Minister Narendra Modi complaining about the extortion charges “has not got the response”.

Listing out alleged corruption scandals in the state, he said BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa’s son was caught with Rs 8 crore in the cash-for-contract scam-hit KSDL Corporation, “but no action has been taken, and the government is protecting him”.

Also, there were job scams relating to the recruitment of Police Sub Inspectors (PSI), Assistant Professor, and Assistant Engineers, he further said, adding that there is a list. “This is the most corrupt government in the whole country.”

Corruption is happening because all benefits are going to just two to three people, Gandhi said, while noting that he spoke about Adani (following the Adani-Hindenburg issue) in Parliament.

“All the businesses and industries in the country are being given to him, whether it is airports, ports, roads, are all being given to Adaniji, the same thing is happening here (in Karnataka). Select few people who are BJP government’s friends, all the benefits are being given to them. Because of this, there is rampant corruption in the state,” he alleged.

Gandhi also urged the BJP government that it should fulfill its promise of hiking the reservation of SCs from 15 to 17 per cent and STs from 3 to 7 per cent by implementing it.

KOLAR: A survey conducted by Congress poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu and his team, predicting a defeat for former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Kolar, has been questioned by Congress leaders from Kolar.

They said they have been working for Siddaramaiah’s victory for the last two months and he should win comfortably from here. MLC Anil Kumar, who is one of the members in charge of Siddaramaiah’s poll campaign in Kolar, said information indicates that voters are in favour of Siddaramaiah.

Kolar sitting MLA K Srinivasa Gowda, who had offered to sacrifice his seat, warned that if Siddaramaiah chooses any constituency other than Kolar, he will retire from politics. He denied having any information on the high command asking Siddaramaiah to choose Varuna.

“I want Siddaramaiah to win from Kolar and become a chief minister,” he said, adding that he will not try to persuade the senior leader as he is confident that Siddaramaiah will contest from Kolar.

Praveen Gowda, a KPCC member, who is heading a team of Youth Congress, said Congress leaders and workers are working to ensure Siddaramaiah’s victory in Kolar. “If the high command is in doubt, another survey should be conducted. Youth Congress leaders will mail to the high command, asking them to allow Siddaramaiah to contest from here,” he added.

A senior Congress leader raised doubts over the methodology used by Kanugolu. “The party has been gaining strength over the last two months as voters are expecting Siddaramaiah to contest. If the high command decides to field another candidate, it will be a difficult situation for the party,” he added.

From Sunday, Congress leaders held meetings and decided to meet Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bengaluru to appeal to him to contest from Kolar. Party sources told The New Indian Express that one reason Siddaramaiah decided not to contest from Kolar was that party leader would be busy with their own constituencies leaving him without any backing.

SHIVAMOGGA: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal workers on Monday sprinkled gomutra in what they claimed to be a purification ritual of the platform at the DC’s office where a Muslim youth recited azaan (a Muslim call for prayer) while protesting against the statement of BJP MLA KS Eshwarappa on azaan.

Even though the police tried to stop the VHP and Bajrang Dal workers, they managed to sprinkle the gomutra.  Last week, the police booked a preventive case against the youth who recited azaan during a protest.  The VHP and Bajrang Dal workers alleged that the azaan was recited by “communal forces” to disturb peace in the city. They demanded action against those who are behind the incident. The workers alleged that the rights given under the Constitution have been misused. They also protested the release of the youth.  

Bajrang Dal leader Rajesh Gowda said, “Everybody has the right to protest. But, by reciting azaan in front of the DC’s office, they showed communal fanaticism. This is not a place to recite azaan. Hence, we purified the place.” 

The youth had recited azaan at a protest last Friday against MLA Eshwarappa over his remarks on azaan. The police warned the youth and let him off. The video of the youth reciting azaan was shared on social media platforms. 

BENGALURU:  Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh slammed the authorities for collecting toll from motorists using the new Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway even before the project is fully ready.  Speaking to media persons, the Congress MP termed it as BJP’s Ugadi gift to the people of the Old Mysuru region. He said Congress will stage a protest against it after discussing it in the party forum. 

Responding to a question if he will contest the upcoming Assembly polls from Ramanagara, he said so far the party leaders have not discussed it with him. The MP said he has no interest in state politics. “We do not have any soft corner for anyone and the Congress is confident of winning the constituency,” he said. KPCC president DK Shivakumar had on Tuesday stated that they had discussed the matter in the party and are yet to take any decision.

BENGALURU:  Housing Minister V Somanna, who said on Tuesday that he will not quit Bharatiya Janata Party, rushed to New Delhi on Wednesday to meet top leaders of the party.  Somanna along with union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pralhad Joshi met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence.

Sources in the BJP said that during the meeting, Somanna sought ticket to contest from Chamarajanagar assembly constituency. He also sought party ticket to his son, Arun Somanna, to contest from his Govindrajnagar constituency or a prominent post in the BJP organisation. If everything goes according to Somanna’s plan, his son is expected to get a position in the party.

Before meeting Shah, Somanna told reporters that he visited Delhi for some “official work”. “I visited Delhi to resolve some issues related to the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana,” the Housing Minister said. Asked if he visited Delhi to complain against BJP leader B Y Vijayendra, Somanna said he had nothing against Vijayendra. 

Somanna also said that former chief minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa has not spoken 
to him. “If he wants to talk, I will go meet him. I have nothing against Yediyurappa,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yediyurappa said that he is confident that Somanna will not quit BJP. It may be recalled that Arun Somanna and Vijayendra had issued statements that embarrassed the party.

This summer could be a harsh one. Rising temperatures across the state are a forewarning about what April and May could be like, say weather experts. As with every summer, there is concern about drinking water availability, the power situation and forest fires.

In Belagavi, the impact assessment of the approaching summer seems to have raised some worries. The supply of drinking water has been delayed several times during February. This year, the authorities were able to provide drinking water supply for only five days throughout the month.

Due to decreased water levels in Rakasakop reservoir, there has been a change in the schedule of water supply to Belagavi city, according to the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation authorities.

They say that this year, water level in the reservoir is approximately 4 feet lower than last year, which may result in disruption of 24/7 water supply, including the 24/7 demo zone of Belagavi city. Belagavi’s public has been asked to use water sparingly, the authorities say.

Abhimanyu Daga, a noted water warrior who has been engaged in water conservation activities across Belagavi, says improper coordination and communication among government authorities and L&T is one of the major reasons for Belagavi facing drinking water supply problems.

Also, water lifting from resources and proper distribution is required with strong technical support to sort the problem more efficiently. “We are unable to protect and utilise existing resources like wells and lakes which would have supplemented water in peak summers. Unauthorised borewells with a lack of ground water recharge has led to poor ground water levels, which was predicted long ago,” Daga said. 

Task forces in every taluk
Shivamogga Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer ND Prakash says arrangements are being made to face the upcoming summer. Task forces are formed in every taluk to evaluate the drinking water situation.

The task force to monitor drinking water supply consists of executive officers (EOs) and tahsildars of the respective taluks. A committee meeting will be held to prepare a plan on prevention of drinking water shortage in the identified villages.

The proceedings of the meeting will be analysed and sent to the state government by the end of March. Based on the task force report, a proposal will be sent to the government on the requirement of funds to manage uninterrupted supply of drinking water, he says.

The situation seems more dire in Dakshina Kannada. Water available at Thumbe Dam is sufficient only for the next 50 days. The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has urged citizens to use water judiciously, as there are chances of the city facing water scarcity if pre-monsoon showers do not begin soon.

Former mayor Premanand Shetty said the water level has come down to 5.9 metres at Thumbe Dam, against the maximum storage level of 6m, which is a matter of concern. “We depend on inflow to the Nethravathi river, but it has decreased, which will result in a water shortage in MCC limits in April and Mays. We have been ordered to stop water supply to construction and other commercial works on a temporary basis. We urge the public to use the water supplied only for drinking water purposes and use it judiciously. If pre-monsoon is delayed, we will face water shortage till June 15,” he cautioned.

He added that water will be utilised from the AMR Hydel power project’s vented dam at Shamboor, upstream of Thumbe, where the water level is 18.9m at present, but this would still not be sufficient. “We are staring at a water crisis similar to what we faced in 2019. MCC Commissioner Channabasappa K has also directed engineers to submit an action plan as to how this water can be distributed ward-wise. We may have to opt for water rationing,” Shetty added.

Cauvery at a low 
Meanwhile, in Madikeri, with summer already setting in, the scarcity of water is being reported across urban areas, including Kushalnagar. The Cauvery has reached an alarmingly low level even before peak summer season, and steps are being taken by the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board to build sand bunds to preserve water for pumping into water supply units.

Officials, however, confirmed that the situation would come under control if the district gets pre-monsoon showers. With sprinkler irrigation activities carried out across coffee estates in the district, natural streams are drying up at a faster pace, and a few homestays pay up for drinking water supplied through tankers on the outskirts of Madikeri.

Meanwhile, wildlife is also being catered to at Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. “To provide water to animals, solar powered water pumps have been installed to draw water to tanks. There are 17 tanks which are connected to solar pumps and there are other tanks which have water and can last till the end of the summer,” said Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Harshakumar Chikkanaragund.

Forest fires
At Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, preparations are being made to protect forests and wildlife ahead of summer. “We have created a 2500-km forest fire line in eight forest ranges under the reserve. In order to handle potential forest fires, we have outsourced 400 fire watchers who will be deputed at all watchtowers. They will be in charge of providing information on forest fires, smoke and weather conditions through wireless devices. If there are any fires, they will inform staff and rush to the spot along with forest guards and officers to douse the fire. At vulnerable points, fire engines and quick response vehicles have also been stationed,” DCF Harshakumar Chikkanaragund said.

He said the department has enough fire extinguishing equipment to handle any fires. “If there is a serious wildfire, the department will also provide helicopters. The fire service department deployed 14 fire tenders and 28 firemen at Nagarahole to handle any fires till the end of summer,” he said.
Chikkanaragund appealed to people travelling inside the forest area not to smoke or carry inflammable material which can potentially start a fire. He also sought help in supporting the department.

This, however, does not seem to be the case in Dakshina Kannada. Forest fires in Shishila and Shibaje areas of Belthangady taluk and many other areas of Dakshina Kannada district have continued. Wildlife enthusiasts have started a campaign on social media, demanding swift action like the usage of helicopters to bring fires under control. They have demanded that the government immediately arrange helicopters from the Coast Guard or Indian Navy.

Similarly, in Kodagu, forest fires are threatening the rich vegetation and wildlife. Fire incidents on denotified forest lands are being reported every day across the district, and over 100 acres have been so far lost in the fire.

POWER CUTS
In Belagavi, frequent power cuts during the summer is common in Athani, Chikkodi and Raibag taluks. According to people in those areas, even convincing replies from officials are not available. When summer is at its peak in April, along with the shortage of power supply, the availability of fodder also becomes difficult, they said.

WEATHER FORECAST 
India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials say that as per the long-range forecast issued by the ministry, the forecast is probabilistic. “Near normal summer has been forecast for parts of south interior and north interior Karnataka for the month of March. Above normal summer temperature has been forecast for coastal Karnataka. A heat wave warning has also been issued for the month of April, for parts of north interior Karnataka, including Bidar, Vijayapura, Raichur, Bagalkote, Yadgir and other surrounding areas,” said an IMD official. The officials say heat waves are normal during summers and will be short-lived. “A heat wave is declared when the temperature is 4-5 degree above normal for over two days, and in more than 2-3 stations. The highest of 40.2 degree Celsius was recorded in Karwar last week. This week, Panambur has been recording temperature of around 39- 39.6 degree Celsius. In fact, Bengaluru has been recording cool temperatures in March, varying around 28- 30 degree Celsius,” one of the officials says. The long-range forecast issued by the IMD states: “During MAM (March-April-May) season, above normal minimum temperatures are very likely over most parts of the country, except south peninsular India where normal to below normal minimum temperatures are likely. Above normal monthly minimum temperatures are most likely during March 2023 over most parts of India…”

MGNREGA WORKERS
For the safety and health of workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), officials at the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR) are issuing a circular advising people to start work early (even at 7am) and wind up before noon. This would be especially applicable for regions of North Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka, where summer is harsh during MAM.

HEALTH EFFECT
With early onset of summer, cases of influenza and viral infections are rising, as are cases of H3N2. This forced the state health department to issue a heat wave advisory alert, citizens not to venture out from 12 noon to 3pm, especially women, children and senior citizens. The department also advised people to avoid hot drinks like tea, coffee and alcohol, and consume healthy fruits, food and more liquids.

STUDENT SAFETY
To ensure the safety of students, especially those writing exams, the education department has ensured that all exams are scheduled in the early morning hours and centres are located close to the homes or schools of children. Education department officials said directions have also been issued to teachers to ensure there is sufficient water and if need be, some sweets for children who may find the heat oppressive. 

POWER SECTOR
As per Bescom records, the demand for power is not going below 7000 – 7200 MW on a daily basis since January. They said this was because most parts of south interior Karnataka, especially areas surrounding Bengaluru, have been experiencing warm and bright sunny days since January. 

Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka on Friday quashed circulars issued by the Education Department introducing board-level assessment for classes 5 and 8.

This applied to students studying in the state syllabus and the question papers were set to be designed by the Karnataka School Examinations and Assessment Board.

The Education Department’s notices were challenged by the Organisation for Unaided Recognised Schools and the Registered Unaided Private Schools’ Management Association.

A single judge bench of Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur today set aside the circulars dated December 12, 2022, December 13, 2022 and January 4, 2023 issued by Commissioner of Public Instructions and the Department of State Education.

The High Court said that the circulars are contrary to the intentions of the Right to Education Act under which they were issued.

“Such circulars issued can only supplement the Act or rules but under no circumstances can supplant the rules. In situations when such circulars are issued to supplant the rules, which is in the guise of rules, the prescribed procedures and process have to be followed as contemplated under Section 38(4) of the Act,” the High Court said.

Quashing the circulars, the High Court Judge in his judgment said, “Under the circumstances I find force in the arguments put forth by the respective counsels for the petitioners as a new format for assessment and evaluation implemented by the State Government is contrary to Section 16 of the RTE Act and the procedure prescribed under the Act. Therefore the Writ Petitions are allowed.” The High Court found that the State Government had not followed the procedure and placed the issue before the State Legislatures before issuing the circulars.

“The State Government had issued the impugned circular to prescribe certain assessments and evaluation procedures under the RTE Act. The State Government is empowered to make rules and regulations and carry out provisions of the Act. In doing so, it has to necessarily follow the procedure under the Act. Section 38(4) of the Act states every rule or notification made under this Act shall be made after it is laid before the State Legislatures,” it said.

The additional advocate general who had argued for the State had contended that the government was not making any rule or notification and it was only formulating certain assessments and evaluations to aid and benefit students coming under the State syllabus.

Therefore, the question of following the process and procedure of the Act, more specifically Section 38 or any other provisions of the Act would not attract.

The Judge, however, said, “Such arguments are flawed. I am afraid that the said contentions of learned AAG cannot be accepted for the virtue of the reason of the impugned circular there is a change brought up by the State Government by way of evaluation and assessment.

Awarding of 20 marks for the academic year 2022-23 which would invariable be assessed by the Board; KSEAB of the State. Thereby, an external agency is coming into play to award 20 marks to the students of 5th and 8th standards. This is not contemplated under Section 16 of the RTE Act.” The judgment, however, applauded the intent behind the circulars. “The intent of the State Government order is laudable and appreciable wherein it is making an attempt to have checks and balances on mechanism for assessment and evaluation and also for remedial action.

At present where a large number of schools are mushrooming in every nook and corner of the streets at district and state level, it is necessary to bring about a mechanism with checks and balances and evaluation and assessment of school children from first to 9th standard and similar assessment of the schools and teaching staff,” the High Court said.

“But the manner in which it was tried to be implemented was found to be inappropriate,” the bench noted.

“However while bringing about such mechanism, the appropriate state government or the schools for that matter have to necessarily follow the process and procedure laid down and prescribed under the statute. It is cardinal principle of law that when any scheme circular is ordered it has to evolve or emanate under the statue under which it is contemplated,” the judgment said.