Police Inspector altered procession’s route in Nagamangala despite warnings from govt: K’taka HM
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara affirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding law and order following the recent communal riots in Nagamangala, Mandya district. Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Sadashiva Nagar, Bengaluru, Parameshwara emphasized that his ministry is performing its duties effectively, stating that he does not require validation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Addressing the Nagamangala riots, the Home Minister condemned any attempts by communities to create unrest under the guise of religious celebrations. "No community is permitted to cause havoc during religious events, and legal action will be taken against those violating restrictions," Parameshwara remarked.
He confirmed that Nagamangala Police Inspector Ashok Kumar has been suspended for failing to adhere to his responsibilities. The authorities had designated a specific route for the Ganesha procession, but Inspector Kumar reportedly altered the route despite clear warnings from the state government. The minister highlighted that the government had explicitly warned the inspector that he would be held accountable for any disruptions during the procession.
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Dr. Parameshwara also informed the media that an ongoing investigation is examining the potential involvement of the Mandya Deputy Superintendent of Police in the riots. He stated that a report on the incident is expected soon, and further actions will be taken based on the findings.
When asked about criticism from the Opposition regarding the government’s handling of the situation, Parameshwara dismissed the claims. He maintained that the government neither favors nor discriminates against any community. "If people misinterpret or distort the state government’s stance, we will not be swayed by such objections," he added.
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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
