LPG crisis leads to apprehension of Indira Canteens’ functioning
Bengaluru (PTI): The LPG supply scarcity in Karnataka has led to apprehension about the continuity of the Indira Canteens in the city, sources in the municipal body said on Thursday.
Indira Canteens are the Congress government’s flagship initiatives which were started by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his previous stint from 2013 to 2018.
There are about 180 Indira canteens in the city, which were built to feed the urban poor at a highly subsidised price. They offer breakfast at Rs five and meals for Rs 10.
The canteens have been functioning perfectly well till now, but the Iran-Israel-US conflict has cast its shadow on these government run canteens.
According to GBA sources, the vendors of the Indira Canteen told the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials that their services may be affected if the LPG crisis continues in the state.
"These vendors had come to us and communicated their hardship. Accordingly, we wrote to the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department asking them to restore the supply of LPG. Today also we raised the issue with the government," a GBA official told PTI.
He said the functioning of the Indira Canteens should not be affected because there are many urban poor who are entirely dependent on them.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
