NCW to deal with matter of viral video of Udupi college student: Former member Shyamala Kunder
Udupi: Former member of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Shyamala Kunder has said that a team of officials, led by NCW representative for South India Khushbu Sundar, will visit Udupi to investigate the incident of a video of a paramedical college student being filmed when she visited the restroom.
Addressing a press conference in town on Wednesday, Kunder said that the Commission had taken cognizance of the matter. “As a woman, I am concerned about what happens to women and have brought the incident to the notice of the Commission. I have also requested the Commission to handle the matter ensuring that the future of the girl students is not affected. Chairperson of the NCW Rekha Sharma has tweeted that the Commission will deal with the matter,” said the former member.
“The investigation by the NCW will reveal if the three accused students had truly deleted the video filmed, as they have stated, or if they had shared it before doing so. None of the guilty parties will be given protection by the Commission. Women should remember, while indulging in such activities, that the victim is also a woman, like them. Such humanitarian values should be imbibed by young ladies,” said Kunder.
She further said that, when dealing with such incidents, police should voluntarily register cases and start investigation as a means of ensuring safety to women, instead of waiting for a complaint to be filed by the victim or the relatives. The victim has stated that she will not file a complaint in the matter, she pointed out. “It is also unacceptable that the state government is silent on the incident. The government as well as the minister of the concerned department should address the matter of women’s safety,” she urged.
“No woman should be forced to fight such a delicate situation on political lines. It is also inappropriate for a political party to politicize a woman’s suffering. I am handling the matter for neither political nor religious benefits. I only wish to ensure the victim gets justice.
People too should handle the matter with care and concern, ensuring the name of the victim is not mentioned at any point. They should also be patient enough for the investigation to reveal facts before sharing matter on social media or any public platform,” Kunder stated.
‘Sakhi’ One Stop Centre District Committee member Thara Umesh Acharya, Kollur Temple Board member Sandhya Ramesh and advocate Sahana Kunder Sooda were present at the press conference.
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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.
