Mangaluru, October 03: District Minister UT Khader said that after developing the Kadri Park road in the city at a cost of Rs 12 crore, it would become a zero traffic road.  

Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, the Minister said that the decision to this effect was taken. To help the Tourism, Smart Pole, Petty Shops to be built like thatched huts and free movement of tourists would be allowed. The construction of a new bus stand near Pumpwell and the central market would be taken up in PPP model. In view of this, application was invited for public investment. A sum of Rs 10 crore was reserved for Kabaddi and Shuttle badminton courts near Urwa market. The work of constructing a bridge near Kuluru would start shortly, he said.

Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat President Muhammad Monu, Congress leader Santosh Hegde and others were present.

Rs 30 cr for Mahakali Padpu railway under-bridge

A sum of Rs 30 crore was reserved for the construction of the Mahakali Padpu railway under-bridge. In which, Rs 10 crore would be given to Railway department for the work and remaining Rs 20 crore would be utilized for acquiring the land and developing the road, he said.

Meeting on Oct 10

A meeting to discuss on taking up development works under Smart City Project would be held on October 10. Smart City Project officials, elected representatives and others would be participating in the meeting, the Minister said.

 

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New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.

The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.

In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.

In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.

Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.

"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.

He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.

Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.

"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.

He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.

"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.

According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.

As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.

A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.

The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.

It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.

The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.

It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.