Kannadigas Help Line aids stranded migrants in UAE amid war crisis
Dubai: ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ has stepped up its efforts in the UAE to assist Kannadigas affected by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, by helping stranded individuals return home and providing food and shelter to those in distress.
The initiative, which was earlier formed to support Kannadigas during the Covid pandemic and floods, has resumed its activities to address the current crisis. Under the leadership of NRI entrepreneur Dr Ronald Colaco and coordination of Hidayath Addoor, the team has brought together more than 30 Kannada organisations in the UAE to extend support to affected individuals.
The team has been assisting stranded migrants, including those who are ill or without food and shelter, by visiting them and offering necessary help. Their efforts have been appreciated by the NRI community.
Speaking to the media, coordinator Hidayath Addoor said that more than 630 people who were unable to return to India were provided with flight arrangements and safely sent back home. He added that Dr Ronald Colaco had assured full financial support for arranging a chartered flight with 180 seats to evacuate elderly persons, pregnant women and those in need of urgent assistance.
He also said that Colaco extended financial help for medical treatment, including surgery for a stranded individual, and supported food arrangements for those in need. Medicines for 22 patients referred by the Indian Consulate were also provided using funds contributed by Colaco.
Arrangements were made to provide free food and accommodation for more than 235 people at hotels owned by Praveen Shetty and Isaq Haji in Dubai, and at a farmhouse owned by Dheeraj Jain in Ajman. Medical assistance was provided to 71 people through doctors at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, while 32 individuals were given medicines.
At the initial stage of the crisis, food was distributed to around 1,180 people, and 70 food kits were also provided. Transport arrangements were made to help affected individuals reach airports in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
Several organisations joined hands with Kannadigas Help Line in this effort, including KNRI Forum UAE, Beary’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) UAE, Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Kannadigara Koota Dubai, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Non-Resident Kannadigas, Hemmeya Dubai Kannada Sangha, Okkaliga Sangha Dubai, Kannada Paathashaala Dubai, Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Konkanis, BCF, KCF, Manki Community, SKSSF Vikhaya UAE, Noorul Huda UAE Committee, Dubai Beary’s, Badriya Friends, Hidaya Foundation, Shamsul Ulama Thodar, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Karnataka Sangha, Aim India Foundation, Darunnur, Gulf Karnataka Kutumba, Gulf Gelathiyaru, Mangalore Konkanis Dubai, Al Khamar Trust Mooluru, Okkaliga Sangha UAE and Rock Karnataka Sangha UAE.
In recognition of the team’s efforts, Dr Ronald Colaco hosted an Iftar gathering at his residence and appreciated the selfless service of the members along with their families.
He said that the spirit of unity and cooperation shown during the crisis should continue beyond difficult times and serve as a model for the future. He also called for celebrating national and state festivals together in the same spirit.
Colaco expressed hope that the message of unity demonstrated by the team, which worked beyond differences of region, language, class, caste and religion, would reach the homeland and help promote harmony and inclusive development.
On the occasion, Dr Ronald Colaco, Praveen Shetty, Isaq Haji, Dheeraj Jain and Madhav Kiran were honoured with mementos for their support to the initiative.
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Karnataka legislative council passes Bill to regulate hoardings, levy advertisement fee
Bengaluru, Mar 18 (PTI): The Karnataka legislative council on Wednesday passed two amendment Bills related to advertisement in urban areas and the transfer of police officers.
Both the bills were adopted by the Karnataka Assembly on March 16.
The Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was moved by the state Urban Development and Town Planning Minister B S Suresha were aimed at regulating outdoor advertisements and enabling municipal bodies to levy and collect fees on hoardings and billboards across the state.
Suresha tabled the bill in the council for adoption.
The members of the ruling and opposition parties discussed the bill extensively, after which it was cleared by the House.
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The Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by the Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, empowers the Police Establishment Board (PEB) to immediately transfer police officers up to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) for misconduct, negligence, or dereliction of duty.
This amendment allows for action before the mandatory two-year tenure expires. The Act covers cases of "misconduct or gross negligence or dereliction of duty or an act of moral turpitude".
The Police Establishment Board (comprised of senior officials) is authorised to take action directly rather than waiting for lengthy government approval, aiming to reduce political interference and speed up disciplinary actions.
The move is intended to handle recurring irregularities and corruption, including scenarios where officers are trapped by the Lokayukta police and improve efficiency.
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The legislation, introduced by state Home Minister G Parameshwara, ensures tighter discipline within the police force while providing a cleaner legal mechanism for moving officers.
Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister D Sudhakar tabled the Karnataka Regional Imbalances Redressal Committee report, which was prepared by a panel headed by economist M Govinda Rao.
The report identified 93 "most backward" taluks among 236 in the state, with 60 per cent of them concentrated in North Karnataka, particularly in Kalaburagi and Belagavi divisions.
This report highlights that, despite significant expenditure, regional disparities persist, with 75 per cent of all taluks facing some form of imbalance.
