Kasaragod: Little Brothers Kokkechal mark third annual 'Christmas Fiesta'
Manjeshwara(Mangalpady): Little Brothers Kokkechal, a registered cultural club celebrated its third annual 'Christmas Fiesta' at Kokkechal junction here on Monday(Dec 25). The event was graced by the presence of chief guest Moosa Kunhi, Principal Manavatti Beevi English School, Dharmanagara and Baby Shetty, former Block Panchayat Member and social worker.
The organisation's president, Prakash, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting the spirit of unity and inclusivity in his inaugural speech.
Addressing the gathering, Former Block Panchayat member, Baby Shetty highlighted the significance of the organisation's activities in the town and stressed on Jesus Christ's message of spreading love, regardless of religions. She further stated that," Christmas Fiesta serves as a platform for people of all faiths to come together and celebrate Christmas."
Moosa Kunhi D, speaking about the unity in diversity in India said, "India is like a beautiful flower garden with many varieties of flowers. Unlike other countries who have a state religion, India is diverse."
Avinash Machado, Congress Leader and Panchayat Member, commending the organization's contributions, remarked, "The club has played a significant role in the development of this region."
Various programs, including carol singing, dance and a Tulu Drama by 'Amma Kalavider Kudla,' added vibrancy to the festivities.
Sketch titled 'Ammer' performed by 'Amma Kalavider Kudla' (Courtesy:Peter Dsouza)
Adding glamour to the celebration, Several renowned Tulu Cinema Actors, including Kantara movie fame Deepak Rai Panaje also performed in the drama.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Fr. Vishal Monis (Parish Preist, Christ King Church Kayyar), Sr. Jasmine Lewis (Superior, Vijaya Jesuraj Convent Kayyar), Avinash Machado (Paivailike Panchayat Member), Roshan Dsouza and Zeena Dsouza (Parish Pastoral Parishad, Christ King Church Kayyar).
Image Courtesy: Peter Dsouza
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Karnataka government employees demand return of Old Pension Scheme
Bengaluru: Government employees in Karnataka have urged the state government to scrap the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and bring back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), The New Indian Express reported.
The demand was made by the Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association, whose leaders met senior IAS officer Uma Mahadevan on Monday and submitted a memorandum. The association asked the NPS Review Committee, headed by senior IAS officer Anjum Parvez, to recommend the reintroduction of OPS in the state.
Association president C.S. Shadakshari reportedly said the review committee has already visited Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana where NPS was revoked and OPS re-implemented. The committee is yet to submit its report, but has told the government it will do so soon.
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Shadakshari allegedly said NPS has been in force in Karnataka since 2006. He pointed out that West Bengal never adopted the scheme, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana replaced NPS with a contributory pension model.
States including Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jharkhand have already scrapped NPS through cabinet decisions or budget announcements.
“Under NPS, 10% of the employees’ basic salary and DA, and 14% contribution from the state is credited to the employees’ fund. It constitutes 24% of the total which is non-withdrawable. This is invested in the share market and the final amount depends on the ups and downs of the market,” TNIE quoted Shadakshar as saying.
As per the report, he said that by limiting its contribution to 14%, the government could save up to ₹1.87 lakh crore annually if all vacancies are filled, strengthening the case for bringing back the old pension system.
