Media must promote harmony, inclusiveness, constructive atmosphere in society: Dr. Ronald Colaco
Daijiworld.com celebrates silver jubilee
Mangaluru: Media should not remain just a platform for delivering news, but must play a key role in promoting harmony, inclusiveness and a constructive atmosphere in society, said noted NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Ronald Colaco.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the silver jubilee celebration of digital media platform Daijiworld.com, held at Milagres Jubilee Hall in the city on Saturday.
Dr. Colaco said that in the present times, media must focus on national development and communal harmony rather than narratives that create divisions. He appreciated Daijiworld for leaving its unique mark by covering everything from local news to global developments.
He said media, which acts as the mirror of society, should not limit itself to reporting incidents alone. Instead, it should guide both the government and society in the right direction.
According to him, the economic development of any country depends largely on peace and harmony. Therefore, media must give importance to strengthening social harmony.
He further said that Daijiworld does not merely measure the length or depth of a news report, but highlights the truth behind it and upholds values of fairness and equality.
Dr. Colaco also noted that Daijiworld’s efforts are not confined to sharing information. He said the organisation works for the upliftment of society, connects people with human values and extends support to those in distress.
Chief guest Dr. Prakash Shetty, chairman of Bengaluru-based MRG Group, said completing 25 years is a significant achievement for Daijiworld.com. He said the milestone reflects years of effort, hard work and sacrifice, and that the platform’s reputation has reached both national and international levels. 
Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) vice chancellor Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi said media is one of the pillars of democracy. He said Daijiworld.com has been working to promote harmony, unity and awareness in society and has carved its own identity in the media field over the past 25 years.
Managing director of Hyssna International LLC Abu Dhabi, Ronald Pinto, and Dr. Rohan Monteiro of Rohan Corporation were present as guests of honour.
Walter D’Souza Nandalike, managing director of Daijiworld, welcomed the gathering. Director Melwyn Rodrigues delivered the vote of thanks. Reena Castelino compered the programme.
As part of the celebrations, the ‘Hyssna Miss Daijiworld’ contest and cultural programmes were also held.
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Karnataka to approach SC seeking permission to continue MGNREGA
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking permission to continue implementation of MGNREGA in the state, contending that the Centre had repealed the rural employment guarantee law without consultation and failed to put in place any alternative mechanism under the VB-G RAM G Act.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the state would immediately move the apex court seeking permission to prepare and implement the annual action plan for rural employment works, while also challenging what it described as an infringement on the constitutional rights of states.
The parliament passed VB-G RAM G in December that replaces MGNREGA.
Patil explained that the Cabinet decided to approach the court seeking permission for the State Government to prepare an action plan in this regard. Since the Centre’s stand interferes with the constitutional rights of state governments, the Cabinet has also decided to challenge this issue before the appropriate court
“There are two points here. One is that they have come in the way of our constitutional right of providing the right to work. That has been halted, and, therefore, the State Government has decided to approach the Supreme Court. The second point is that the Government of India has not provided any alternative,” the Minister said.
The Central Government has not yet issued a notification to implement the VB-G RAM G Act, nor has it made any alternative arrangements and hence continuing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is unavoidable in the public interest, the Minister said.
“Therefore, in the interest of the public, farmers and agricultural labourers, we must continue MGNREGA. For that purpose, the Cabinet has decided to approach the court seeking permission for the State Government to prepare the action plan for this year,” he added.
The Minister also said the Centre had only permitted continuation of pending and spillover MGNREGA works without releasing grants or announcing a fresh action plan.
“The Centre itself has said that pending, spillover and half-done MGNREGA works can continue. That means MGNREGA is actually still functioning in practice. But there is no new action plan,” he said.
Patil said the state had already passed a resolution on the issue, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written to the Prime Minister and the Rural Development Minister had held discussions with Union Ministers.
Replying to questions, the minister said the state would move court “as immediately as possible.”
He clarified that the state was seeking permission to formulate and implement this year’s action plan under the existing framework.
“What we are asking the Supreme Court is to allow us to have the action plan for this year and implement it,” he said.
The Cabinet also held detailed discussions on the final report submitted by the State Education Policy Commission headed by former UGC chairman Professor Sukhadeo Thorat.
Patil said a Cabinet sub-committee would be constituted to examine the report and recommend measures for implementation.
“No decision has been taken yet. The Cabinet sub-committee will recommend what should be accepted and what should be modified,” he said.
He said the report comprised around eight volumes and covered issues relating to financial implications, human resources, curriculum reforms, deemed universities, unitary universities and newly established universities. The Chief Minister has been authorised to constitute the sub-committee.
The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Motor Transport and Other Related Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Amendment Bill, 2026, transferring welfare administration of transport-related workers from the Labour Department to the Transport Department.
The Cabinet further approved establishment of three new industrial estates in Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Surpur under the Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation and Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 2026, providing two per cent reservation in state civil services appointments for sportspersons.
