CM Siddaramaiah directs cops in DK to take measures to combat drugs menace in district
Question cops referring to 'Vartha Bharati' report
Mangaluru: In a bid to combat the increasing drug menace in Mangalore, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued directives to the police to take strict legal action against drug peddlers under the Goonda Act. The Chief Minister expressed concern over the rising drug-related issues, particularly among the youth, during the district progress review meeting at the Netravati Hall of the Zilla Panchayat. He questioned the efficacy of the ongoing drug-free Mangalore campaign, referencing a report by the 'Vartabharati' newspaper.
During the meeting, Police Commissioner Kuldeep Jain briefed the Chief Minister on the current status of the anti-drug campaign in the city. Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of stringent measures to address the drug crisis and protect the youth from its adverse impact.
Seeking Solutions for Groundnut Yellow Leaf Disease
In another development, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his intention to convene a meeting with agricultural scientists and experts to find a solution to the groundnut yellow leaf disease issue.
Additional Buses Under Shakti Yojana
Responding to concerns about the impact of the Shakti Yojana on private buses, auto-rickshaws, and other public transport vehicles in the district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that 4000 additional buses will be procured soon to meet the demand. He acknowledged the positive response from the public and students, emphasizing that this measure will benefit the district and ensure every beneficiary receives the benefits of the government's five guarantee schemes.
Education and Health Index Decline in Dakshina Kannada Raises Concern
Expressing his dismay over the decline in the education and health index of Dakshina Kannada district for the past few years, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought explanations from the District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) and health officials. The district, which was ranked third in education in 2015, hasd fallen to 35th in 2022 and further to 17th in 2023. Similarly, the health index has dropped, with the district falling from third place in 2015 to 23rd in the latest rankings.
The Chief Minister raised questions about this decline, especially considering that neighboring districts Udupi and Mangalore have consistently ranked first and second. Siddaramaiah directed the DDPI and health officials to investigate the reasons behind the backwardness of Dakshina Kannada district and take necessary steps to address the issue promptly.
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Karnataka Minister directs officials to expedite integration of 28 services in various depts
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil on Thursday directed officials to expedite the integration of the remaining 28 services in various departments under the SWS.
The direction was issued at a review meeting on EoDB and Single Window Committees held at Vidhana Soudha, attended by senior officials from various departments.
In a statement, Patil said, "We face intense competition from neighbouring states. We have studied their policies and regulations and are determined to establish a system that is even more efficient and industry-friendly," he said.
Under the Single Window System, 115 services across 20 departments have already been integrated, the minister said, adding the remaining 28 services have been prioritised for time-bound implementation.
Patil said Revenue, Forest, Home, Environment, Primary Education, Fire Services and Energy departments are among the services.
According to the minister, the goal is to ensure that investors do not lose valuable time and are encouraged to invest in Karnataka.
He sought cooperation of all the government departments to make it happen.
Referring to emerging challenges, he said Karnataka has long been a frontrunner in the IT sector but the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced new uncertainties.
He stressed that all departments, including KIADB, must ensure swift approvals for industrial projects.
Patil underlined that entrepreneurs should not be subjected to "unnecessary delays," he said, adding that clearances for electricity connections, Fire Department NOCs and Pollution Control Board approvals must be issued promptly.
Detailing the reforms, the minister said the time limit for Fire Department NOCs has been reduced from 60 days to 21 days, while electricity connection approvals have been cut from 25 days to 10 days. Permission for lift and escalator operations has been brought down from 40 days to 20 days, and new water connection approvals from 42 days to 30 days, he said.
The Labour Department will now issue industrial licences and boiler registrations within 14 days instead of 30 days, he said, noting that necessary notifications have already been issued.
"These amendments will soon be placed before the Cabinet and formalised through legislation on a fast-track basis," Patil said.
He further stated that timelines at the State Pollution Control Board have been significantly reduced.
Change-of-land-use permission within Bengaluru city limits, which earlier took up to 120 days, will now be granted within 45 days.
With 32 data centres currently operating in the state, Patil underscored the importance of uninterrupted power supply and called for the development of dedicated data centre clusters with exclusive power lines.
A ministerial-level meeting will soon be convened to identify suitable locations and ensure essential infrastructure, including power connectivity, he said.
