Former MLC, senior journalist P. Ramaiah passes away
Bengaluru: Senior journalist and former Member of the Legislative Council P. Ramaiah (93) passed away in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.
Ramaiah was undergoing treatment at Mallige Hospital due to health issues and died around 9 pm following multiple organ failure, his son Dr. Balaji said.
Born on September 12, 1933, Ramaiah had a long and distinguished career in journalism. He worked with ‘The Hindu’ newspaper for nearly five decades, serving in various positions. Apart from journalism, he also served as a Member of the Legislative Council.
A recipient of several prestigious honours, Ramaiah was awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the Madhyama Academy Award, and the Kempegowda Award. He was also associated with the Patrika Academy and served on various journalist welfare committees.
He chaired a committee constituted to study the problems faced by small newspapers and played an important role in addressing their issues.
Ramaiah is survived by two sons, a daughter, nieces and grandchildren.
Dr. Balaji said the mortal remains will be kept at the family residence near Sadashivanagar Club from 9 am on Wednesday for public viewing.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
