Blueprint for Cauvery aarti will be ready in a week: Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar
Mandya (Karnataka), Apr 25 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said a blueprint for the Cauvery aarti programme would be ready within a week, with plans to start it this Dasara.
Addressing a press conference after a meeting with elected representatives and officials on the Cauvery aarti, he said, "We have formed a committee, led by Minister Chaluvaraya Swamy, to work out the modalities. This committee will prepare the blueprint in the next 8-10 days. We’ve discussed the broad contours of the aarti with our leaders and officials."
"The committee includes members from Chescom, the Tourism department, the Muzrai department, two DCs, two local MLAs, MLCs, Zilla Panchayat CEOs, and BWSSB members. Irrigation Department officials will create the necessary infrastructure," he added.
Cauvery Aarti (Puja) is part of the Karnataka government's efforts to promote water conservation. The dates have not been announced yet.
The state government has decided to allocate Rs 92 crore for the Cauvery aarti, with contributions from other departments as well.
"We are creating seating for about 10,000 people. The committee will decide how many days the aarti will be held. Different departments have submitted reports on their respective activities, and we’ll incorporate them into the final plan," he said.
The government has already called for tenders to upgrade Brindavan Gardens at the KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara Dam).
"We’ve also decided to form a Planning Authority with four panchayats. This won’t affect their functioning; the authority will only focus on planning and ensure that the proceeds from the project benefit these panchayats," he added.
Shivakumar said that seven firms have come forward to develop Brindavan Gardens, and discussions are underway.
"We’ve made it a condition for bidders to prioritize local employment," he said.
Responding to a question about when the Cauvery aarti programme would be launched, he said, "I’m keen to launch it this Dasara, and we’ve formed a committee to prepare the blueprint. Let’s see how fast the committee submits its plans."
Asked about the location for the aarti, he said, "We’ve inspected potential sites and consulted the technical committee. The location must be close to water, with sufficient space for parking, seating, and accommodations for artists. Boating will also be included. The committee will decide."
When asked if there would be entry tickets for the event, he said, "There will be both paid and free entry options. We can’t deny entry to poor people, and there will be an option for the public to offer prayers."
On allegations that the aarti could harm the KRS dam, he said, "We will discuss this with the organisations opposing it. They may have doubts, and we’ll address them."
Regarding concerns over encroachment and pollution of the Cauvery River, he said, "All dams have been surveyed using drones and marked for maximum levels. The department has been instructed to audit the assets."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
