Bengaluru, Aug 16 : Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala on Thursday opened his official residence, Raj Bhavan, in the city centre for the public to visit the historic building.
"People of Bengaluru and across Karnataka always wondered what Raj Bhavan looks like, particularly students. So, we have decided to allow visitors free of cost from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. from August 16-31," Vala told reporters at Raj Bhavan.
Built by a British army officer Sir Mark Cubbon between 1840-42, when he was the Commissioner of then Mysore territories, Raj Bhavan has largely remained unaccessible to the public so far.
"Its premises are like a well-guarded citadel which generally remains closed for the public, as the entry inside the Raj Bhavan has always remained restricted," a note from the Governor's Office said.
By making an e-booking on the Governor's website at least five days prior to their visit, people can go around the 18-acre colonial building with rich history, of which spectacular gardens with over 15,000 plants and trees occupy about 16 acres.
Through the state's Tourism Department guides, the public, in batches of 30, will be given a 30-minute tour around the premises. An estimated 300-400 people can visit the heritage building each day.
"People can visit the premises and appreciate the history behind it. The visiting hours will be extended if there is high demand for the tour," the Governor said.
Formerly known during the British era as the Bangalore Residency, or the Mysore State Residency, or the Residency, the Raj Bhavan houses a 'Glass House', where state events, swearing-in ceremonies take place, and a ballroom for state functions apart from the residential area.
With 19 bedrooms named after famous Indian rivers and mountains, the sprawling estate displays ancient artefacts and paintings, a few dating back to the 11th century.
The brahmagiri Presidential Suite of the Raj Bhavan is reserved for the Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Prime Ministers visiting the city.
From former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Prime Ministers have visited and stayed at the two-storeyed majestic residence.
Post Indian Independence in 1947, the building was also used for several meetings of the Congress party, the note added.
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New Delhi: A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on Delhi's healthcare infrastructure has exposed alarming mismanagement, negligence, and a lack of accountability over the last six years. Expected to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Friday, the report outlines critical deficiencies across the city's healthcare system, including severe shortages of medical equipment, healthcare workers, and essential services, as well as poor infrastructure in mohalla clinics.
The report, as cited by India Today, revealed worrisome gaps in critical medical services, with 14 out of 27 hospitals in Delhi lacking ICU facilities, 16 hospitals without blood banks, and 8 hospitals missing oxygen supply. Additionally, 15 hospitals do not have a mortuary, and 12 hospitals are operating without ambulance services.
The report also highlights the dire conditions in mohalla clinics, many of which are without basic facilities such as toilets, power backup, and check-up tables. Similar deficiencies were observed in AYUSH dispensaries, further adding to concerns about the city's healthcare infrastructure.
Staff shortages in Delhi hospitals are equally concerning. The report unveiled a 21 percent shortage of nurses, a 38 percent shortage of paramedics, and a staggering 50-96 percent shortage of doctors and nurses in some hospitals.
These shortages are contributing to long wait times for essential treatments. At Lok Nayak Hospital, patients face a 2-3 month wait for general surgeries and 6-8 months for burn and plastic surgeries. Meanwhile, CNBC Hospital has a 12-month waiting period for pediatric surgeries.
Other major concerns include underutilisation of available resources. The report mentioned that operation theatres, ICU beds, and private rooms at Rajiv Gandhi and Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospitals remain unused, while trauma centers suffer from a lack of specialist doctors for emergency care.
The report also flags the underutilisation of funds allocated for COVID-19 response. Of the Rs 787.91 crore allocated for pandemic management, only Rs 582.84 crore was spent. Furthermore, Rs 30.52 crore earmarked for healthcare workers remained unspent, and Rs 83.14 crore designated for essential drugs and PPE kits went unused.