Dr. UT Ifthikar Fareed appointed as Chairman of State Allied and Health Care Council
Bengaluru: In a significant move, the state government has announced the formation of the State Allied and Health Care Council and has appointed Dr. UT Ifthikar Fareed, Principal of Dr. MV Shetty College of Physiotherapy, as its Chairman. This council is established under the National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions Act, 2021, and will be responsible for overseeing all allied and paramedical course colleges across Karnataka.
The council will include several ex-officio members such as the Director of the Directorate of Medical Education in Bengaluru, the Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences in Kalaburagi, and the Director of the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Hubballi.
Dr. Ifthikar Fareed is a prominent figure in the fields of social, political, and service activities. His extensive involvement in various organizations highlights his commitment to advancing healthcare and physiotherapy in India. Dr. Fareed also holds multiple prestigious positions, including Syndicate Member of Rajiv Gandhi Health University, State President of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, President of the Sports and Fitness Training Federation of India, and President of the UT Fareed Foundation.
Dr. Ifthikar Fareed completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) from Dr. M.V. Shetty College, Mangalore University, Karnataka, in 1999. He further pursued his Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) at the same institution, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (R.G.U.H.S), Karnataka, completing it in 2003. He then obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation from the National University of Medical Sciences, USA.
Dr. Fareed began his professional career as a Lecturer at Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Physiotherapy in Mangalore in March 1999. He then progressed to become an Assistant Professor at the same college from November 2003 to October 2005. Following this, he served as an Associate Professor from November 2005 to January 2009. Since February 2009, he has been serving as a Professor at Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Physiotherapy, which is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore.
In his role as a Syndicate Member of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Dr. Fareed has contributed to the advancement of physiotherapy and allied health sciences. He has been involved in academic and clinical teaching for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of physiotherapy, while also actively participating in clinical practice at the 800-bed Government District Hospital in Mangalore. Additionally, Dr. Fareed has served two terms on the Board of Studies in Physiotherapy at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, from 2003 to 2008.
As a recognized undergraduate and postgraduate examiner at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Dr. Fareed has played a crucial role in shaping the future of physiotherapy education in the region. He has also served as an observer, squad member, and invigilator for examinations conducted by the university. His expertise is further recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, where he serves as an inspector.
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Mamata visits Bhabanipur EVM strong room, warns against counting irregularities
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee early Friday warned against any attempt to tamper with the counting process, hours after she visited an EVM strong room in Bhabanipur, alleging possible malpractice.
Banerjee, who emerged around 12:07 am after spending nearly four hours at the counting centre for her Bhabanipur constituency housed in Sakhawat Memorial School in south Kolkata, said only one person would be allowed inside the designated counting area.
"Either the candidate or one agent can stay upstairs. I have also suggested installation of a CCTV camera for the media," she told reporters.
Stressing the need for transparency, she said, "It is essential to maintain transparency. People’s votes must be protected. I rushed here after receiving complaints. The central forces initially did not allow me to enter."
Sounding a stern note ahead of the May 4 counting, she added, "If there is any plan to tamper with the counting process, it will not be tolerated."
On Thursday evening, Banerjee had reached the Bhabanipur Assembly segment counting centre, which houses the strong room for EVMs used in the April 29 polling, citing suspicion of tampering with the machines.
She entered the premises along with her election agent and remained inside for hours, even as Kolkata Mayor and TMC candidate from the Kolkata Port segment Firhad Hakim reached the spot but could not meet her.
"I reached here upon learning that the chief minister has arrived. But I couldn’t meet her since she was already inside the premises, exercising her right as a candidate to visit strong rooms. I wasn’t allowed there. I will not be able to confirm what exactly is transpiring inside," Hakim said.
The development coincided with protests by TMC candidates Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in north Kolkata, where they staged a sit-in alleging irregularities and possible tampering of EVMs stored in strong rooms, leading to face-offs between TMC and BJP supporters.
Earlier in a video message, Banerjee had urged party leaders, workers and polling agents to maintain a 24-hour vigil on EVM strong rooms, alleging that the BJP could attempt to tamper with the machines before counting begins.
Her remarks come amid heightened political tension in the state following a fiercely contested Assembly election, with parties closely monitoring arrangements and raising concerns over transparency.
