Helium cylinder blast near Mysuru Palace gate: Home Minister orders probe
Bengaluru: Home Minister G. Parameshwara said he has directed officials to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report into the helium cylinder blast that occurred near the Mysuru Palace gate on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters near the Home Office, Parameshwara said a balloon vendor, reportedly from Lucknow, lost his life in the incident. He pointed out that there appears to be a lack of regulation over people selling small items in public places, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
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“As a large number of tourists visit Mysuru Palace, stricter measures are required. The matter needs to be examined with seriousness,” he said, adding that he has instructed officials to discuss the issue with the Tourism Department and take necessary steps.
The Home Minister said the investigation will look into how the balloon vendor obtained the helium cylinder and where it was purchased from. Officials have been asked to verify all these aspects and submit a detailed report.
Parameshwara also clarified that he is not a member of the CWC and therefore will not be travelling to Delhi to attend its meeting. “If Karnataka-related developments are discussed in the meeting, we will come to know about it,” he said.
He further informed that a meeting with senior police officers has been convened on Sunday to discuss security arrangements for New Year celebrations, after which appropriate instructions will be issued.
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Karnataka gram panchayats achieve record 89 pc tax collection in 2025-26: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.
This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.
The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”
“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.
Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.
In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.
Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.
This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.
Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.
Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.
